LARIAM SIDE EFFECTS

Lariam has been described as a “horror movie in a pill” and for some members and ex-members of the Defence Forces who took Lariam, serious side effects from Lariam have included hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and severe depression.

These serious side effects can affect your quality of life, and the lives of those nearest to you.  We have heard multiple accounts of ex-soldiers whose families claim that their personalities have changed since they took Lariam.

You may have experienced or continue to experience serious side effects after taking Lariam, such as:-

• Depressed Mood, Feeling Restless or Anxious;
• Confusion, Extreme Fear, Hallucinations, Unusual Thoughts or Behavior;
• Severe or Uncontrolled Vomiting or Diarrhea;
• Fever;
• Cough, Wheezing, Feeling Short of Breath;
• Nausea, Stomach Pain, Loss Of Appetite, Dark Urine, Clay-Colored Stools, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Mouth Sores;
• Unusual Aches And Pains, Tired Feeling, Weight Loss;
• Severe Skin Rash; Or
• Easy Bruising Or Bleeding.

Have you had suicidal thoughts or severe depression?

There are different types of support available to help people who are experiencing emotional distress or feelings of hopelessness.  It can help to talk to someone you trust and to tell them you are going through a difficult time. You could ask if they can help you to find the support you need.

You can also get professional help through one or more of the following:

A G.P. – Find a local family doctor (G.P.) or health centre by visiting the HSE.ie online service finder. If it’s late in the evening, night time or the weekend, contact a G.P. out of hours service. G.P.s are also listed under ‘General Practitioners’ in the Golden Pages.

Hospital services – Go to or contact the Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital. Hospitals are listed on the HSE.ie online service finder. You can also contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if you or someone else has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.

H.S.E. Mental health services – If you have been (or are currently) supported by a mental health team, go to the Emergency Department or contact the service you are attending and ask for an appointment as soon as possible.

Counselling – Pieta House offer support and counselling for people who have experienced suicidal thoughts.

Telephone – Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For confidential, non-judgemental support please free call 116 123 in the Republic of Ireland or 08457 90 90 90 in Northern Ireland, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch.

Social Media Support Groups – many people who share the same experiences can give each other comfort and understanding in a way that others may not be able to. Hearing that you are not alone in how you feel and the issues you have experienced and continue to experience can help.

Ní neart go cur le chéile – There is no strength without unity!