Letter: Anti-malarial drug
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Further to your article "Anti malarial drug that gave minister sleepless nights" (19 September), I would strongly endorse the warnings it contains. In May, on a working holiday in Malawi, where more dangerous strains of the disease are on the increase again, I suffered exactly the same effects from Lariam. Disturbed sleep patterns were followed by violent dreams.
Because of the alteration in malaria incidence, many long-stay expatriates have given up taking any medication, and malarial bouts are therefore frequent - and the cycle of transmission gets worse. Many told me that it was very dangerous for back-packers on their own to use Lariam. The onset of depression in a strange exotic country far from home could lead to suicidal tendencies.
Canon G H Smith
Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments