Since the beginning of training the medical staff has held many sessions. Today the topic was anti-malarial drugs. Some of us will be placed in malaria regions, all volunteers who are placed in Kwal-Zulu Natal, will take malaria meds.
Peace Corps currently prescribes two types of anti-malarial drugs, Mefloquine & Doxycycline. Medical explained how each drug should be administered, side effects and possible complications. If you are curious just google “Peace Corps Volunteers and Suicide from Lariam” The first hit really bothered me and other volunteers. Luckily, I have been prescribed Doxy. I can manage sun sensitivity and no milk, but vivid dreams and thoughts of suicide, not so much. As a default you are prescribed Doxy, but if you are taking other medications you maybe prescribed Mefloquine. After reading the reports on Mefloquine (Lariam), I don’t think I could bring myself to taking such a drug.
While we are in training we don't have to take anything.
Read this and form your own opinion..
http://www.levaquinadversesideeffect.com/2008/11/26/peace-corps-volunteers-and-suicide-from-lariam-a-quinolone-antibiotic/
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Hey Randall.. don't worry too much. If you have a bad reaction to Mefloquine ( just tell them) they will switch you. All you have to say is " I'm having a very bad reaction/insomnia/tremors" and they will usually move you to Doxy, which is very safe. Most of KZN you won't need it unless you're closer to St. Lucia or other areas. it's mainly nearer to Mozambique that is a hotspot, so you may not actually be given meds. I live in the south central part of KZN and take none.
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