If you’ve had to take malaria medicine as a veteran, you may have developed adverse health conditions from mefloquine toxicity.
For centuries soldiers contracted and died from malaria in the line of duty. In the 1800s, 50-80% of soldiers contracted malaria in the field. To combat malaria, medicines were created to treat and prevent the disease.
If you’ve taken malaria medicine and are experiencing significant mental and physical health conditions, you might be eligible for VA disability benefits.
In this article about Mefloquine side-effects VA disability ratings:
How Malaria Medicine Links to VA Disability
A malaria medicine known as “mefloquine” has been linked to several mental and physical conditions in veterans.
Many veterans were made to take this medication while serving. Since they were required to take the medication, any lasting effects may entitle them to compensation.
What is Mefloquine?
Mefloquine (aka the name-brand Lariam) is a medication that was used to treat malaria. It interferes with the growth of the parasites that mosquitoes pass as they transmit malaria. In tropic or warm climates, soldiers were expected to take it to protect themselves when they were out in the field. Mefloquine was used once per week in the form of oral medication.
The History of Mefloquine
Mefloquine was created by the United States Army in the 1970s, and used in the late 1980s through the present day in other countries.
Tests for the drug were done on male prisoners, some military personnel, and people from third-world countries. While nausea and some symptoms of Vertigo were reported as a result of the drug, at the time there were no signs of psychiatric issues or significant physical effects.
If there did happen to be any reports of mental illness following the use of mefloquine, it was considered a coincidence and dismissed. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that a study was conducted relating to this malaria medicine and mental illness.
Scientists discovered that people who took mefloquine are much more likely to have significant complications mentally, even going as far as committing suicide. Even though the studies showed a clear connection between mental illness and mefloquine, it was used for many years after.
In fact, It was in the early 2000s that mefloquine was the most highly used drug for malaria in the United States. Thousands upon thousands of prescriptions were written for soldiers. A large chunk of these soldiers reported adverse reactions related to their mental and physical health.
Eventually, as more studies surfaced, Pentagon officials deemed the medicine as a “last-choice” option for treating malaria. Also, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a strong warning on the medication, alerting its users of the danger.
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How Much is Malaria Medicine?
For 25 tablets, a common rate for mefloquine is around $194.
The amount that mefloquine costs will vary depending on the pharmacy. Also, the insurance plan will impact how much this medicine costs. With insurance, the price will be less than $194. Now the only time a civilian would want it would be if they were traveling to a country where malaria was present.
The Impact of Malaria Medicine on Veterans
Studies since the early 2000s have shown a significant correlation between illness and the use of mefloquine.
Many of these illnesses are severe and warrant the help of a health professional. Here are some of the conditions reportedly caused by mefloquine use:
Neurological Effects of Mefloquine
The most common illnesses associated with mefloquine use are neurological.
These conditions are:
Night Terrors from Mefloquine
A night terror is an episode that’s experienced while a person is sleeping.
This episode can exhibit screaming, flailing, sleepwalking, or other intense fear. Many soldiers experience night terrors as a result of PTSD from serving, however, soldiers who have taken mefloquine are at a heightened risk.
Night terrors get in a person’s way of sleeping. Sleep is essential for the health of the veteran, so night terrors caused by mefloquine are eligible for coverage.
Common symptoms for a veteran to experience while having a night terror episode include:
- A loud scream or shout in the middle of sleep
- Suddenly sitting up in bed out of surprise or fear
- A wide-eyed stare as if trying to recover from the episode
- Kicking or flailing in sleep
- Deep sleep and very difficult to wake up
- No recollection of the episode the next day
- Exhibiting aggressive behavior
Night terrors are also known as parasomnia, which is an unwelcome and undesirable behavior during sleep. Also, night terrors happen in the deepest form of sleep, which is why they can be so difficult to shake.
The symptoms associated with night terrors are often triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or alcohol.
If the night terrors result in a concerning lack of sleep, danger to the person and the people around them, or difficulty functioning, it would be wise to consult a doctor. Consult with your doctor if you experience frequent night terrors. That diagnosis is essential for winning your claim.
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Anxiety: A Side-Effect of Mefloquine
Soldiers face the risk of developing anxiety, however, mefloquine has been shown to make these conditions much worse.
Anxiety can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the person impacted may feel crippled by fear and worry. Anxiety for soldiers can often cause issues with forming relationships, doing daily activities, and functioning in society.
When anxiety is severe, it completely impairs a person’s ability to live a normal life.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Rapid breathing
- Higher heart rate
- Difficulty with concentrating
- Inability to sleep through the night
Each person’s symptoms of anxiety can differ, as there are many different forms of anxiety.
Some anxieties may require therapy or medication to treat, so consulting your doctor about your symptoms is highly recommended. Plus, if your symptoms are a result of using mefloquine, you may be able to get that covered by your disability.
Depression Caused by Mefloquine & Combat
Depression is a disorder that causes negative feelings, changes in behavior, and changes in thoughts.
Depression is fairly common, as around 1 in 3 veterans show symptoms. Depression can cause a lack of interest in the hobbies you once enjoyed, a loss in energy, and strained relationships.
Many people struggle to live a fulfilling life when they suffer from depression.
Some signs of depression are:
- Feeling sad
- Sudden mood changes
- Appetite loss
- Sleeping too little or too often
- Problems with concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
If you’re struggling with depression, it may be a side effect from mefloquine. If you’re a veteran and you experience frequent depressive episodes, talking to your doctor is important.
They may be able to prescribe a medication for you or suggest a therapist. You can work with your doctor once the symptoms have lasted to make a plan. The VA has also created an app to help veterans manage their PTSD. It is free and you can download it here.
Psychosis from Malaria Medicine?
Psychosis is when there’s a disruption to a person’s thoughts.
This disruption impacts thoughts and perceptions. It can also cause the individual to see or hear things that aren’t actually there.
Psychosis can make it difficult to function in public. Also, it can make maintaining relationships difficult. This is another condition that has shown in veterans who have used mefloquine.
If you used mefloquine as a veteran and you’re experiencing psychosis, you may be able to have medication and therapy covered by disability.
Signs of early psychosis include:
- A drop in work performance
- Failing to care for hygiene or health
- Feeling a desire to isolate from others
- Having no feelings or strong emotions
- Uneasiness around others
As psychosis progresses, hallucinations in the form of sights and sounds may develop. Delusions are also a possibility. Delusions are usually not in line with your feelings or views, and others may find them irrational. If you have been working somewhere and got fired, your old boss could write a lay statement to even help you get VA benefits!
When assessing your symptoms, your doctor will take a look at your medical and family history. Should there be a correlation between mefloquine use and psychosis, you may be able to get that condition covered.
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Physical Side-Effects from Mefloquine
Neurological symptoms are more common in veterans who have taken mefloquine than physical symptoms.
However, there are a few physical symptoms that have been repeatedly reported in users of mefloquine. These are:
Vertigo and Inner Ear Problems
Vertigo is a type of illness that will make you feel like you’re unbalanced.
When you have trouble balancing, falls become a concern. Older veterans who suffer from vertigo are at a heightened risk of fatality after a fall. If your vertigo makes it difficult for you to do daily activities, you’ll want to talk to us about applying for disability.
Symptoms of vertigo include:
- Feeling like you’re spinning as you’re walking or standing still
- Feeling like your body is tilted as you sit up or stand
- Swaying as you walk because you feel like you’re being pulled to one direction
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
There are a variety of factors that can cause vertigo. An ear infection is one, while an injury to the head or neck is another. This illness has also been shown in veterans who used mefloquine while serving.
You may need physical therapy to remedy the condition. This therapy will work with the vestibular system to learn to process signals to the brain correctly. Talk to your doctor so you can apply for disability if you feel the cause is mefloquine.
Fatigue After Taking Malaria Medicines
Fatigue is when you feel tired or a lack of energy no matter what.
It is different from being tired, as being fatigued often makes people feel unmotivated to do anything. While being tired can be a sign of fatigue, they are not the same.
Your mental health, as well as your physical health, can impact your risk of feeling fatigued. If you used mefloquine as a soldier, your fatigue may be worse as the medication has taken a toll on your health.
Fatigue is a common physical side effect of mefloquine.
The most common conditions related to fatigue are:
- An underlying health condition like anemia, fibromyalgia, or arthritis
- Lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, a poor diet, and overexertion in other aspects of your life
- Anxiety or depression
If your fatigue has gotten so bad that you’re losing weight, feeling sensitive to cold weather, or having trouble sleeping, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Any treatment plan you will be put on should be covered by disability if it’s caused by mefloquine.
Fatigue itself can be caused by the use of mefloquine, but it may also be a side effect of a worse condition caused by mefloquine.
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Gastrointestinal Issues
There are a variety of gastrointestinal issues that can be caused by mefloquine.
Gastrointestinal complications and disease can range from mild to severe. Severe gastrointestinal problems can cause an increased risk of colorectal cancer. If gastrointestinal distress or disease is present in a veteran, they should seek medical advice.
If the disease gets bad enough to cause cancer, the veteran has the ability to have treatment covered.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal disease and distress include:
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood on, around, or in stool
- Pain in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Your doctor may recommend a lifestyle change, medication, or surgery to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
Worsened Liver Conditions
If you already had a condition that impacts the liver or thyroid, the use of mefloquine has been shown to make those conditions worse.
Alcohol consumption is a common cause of liver disruption. However, even soldiers who have not had much alcohol have shown issues in liver function if they have a history of taking mefloquine.
Other Malaria Medicine
If you need to take malaria medicine as a soldier, there are other options that are safer.
One of the most highly recommended malaria medications is Malarone. Malarone has shown almost no side effects when taken. Also, Malarone can be taken less often than alternatives. Of course, we’re lawyers, so consult a medical professional before you take anything.
Are You Suffering from Mefloquine Side Effects?
If you’re suffering from the side effects of mefloquine, you may be entitled to coverage for your conditions.
Since so many veterans have been made to take mefloquine as malaria medicine, we understand that you aren’t responsible for these symptoms. If your side effects are impacting your ability to live your life normally, you shouldn’t have to pay for medical help alone.
We will help you apply for disability for mefloquine side effects. If you’ve been denied, we can help you appeal.
Yes! Any disability that you have that was caused by something you did while enlisted is eligible for a claim. The VA even awards disability for car wrecks while on overnight leave. Call us to discuss the specifics of your claim.
No, you can apply any time. We’ll work with you to record when your symptoms started showing up and we’ll work together to prove they are service-connected. Some of these symptoms do take years to show up, so it is common to apply for benefits even decades after serving.