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Lariam, a common anti-malaria drug, has been linked to serious
mental problems and suicidal tendencies and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is requiring doctors to warn patients
of these possible side effects directly.
Such a requirement has only been made by the FDA 17 times
in the past and is reserved for drugs that "pose a serious
and significant public health concern." The side effects,
which include serious psychiatric adverse events including
reported episodes of hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts,
sudden, uncontrollable rage, homicidal urges and suicide,
may persist even after the drug has been stopped.
Although some say the move by the FDA is long overdue, the
FDA says that the small risk of suicide associated with Lariam
may have to be acceptable since malaria is such a deadly disease.
United
Press International July 10, 2003
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