Hi, I was wondering whether anyone who's traveled abroad has any advice about which of the three anti-malarial medications I should take. I've been getting conflicting reports from people about Lariam vs Malorone or doxycycline. Thanks!

It really depends on you, and what you're doing, and how much you can afford. Also, depending on where you're going, you might be able to take one of the old cheapies- you should talk to the dr's, nurses at a travel clinic.

So, it depends on what you'll be doing. Well, other than the obvious- Do you usually have nightmares? will you be taking it for a long time? do you not want to risk psychotic episodes? How about sun burn? tanning? you going to be somewhere with thinner atmosphere? like way up high? Or outside the whole time? Do you have gobs of money? (larium= dreams and episodes, doxy= nasty burn, malarone= so freaking expensive you could travel in some places for a month on what you spend for that same month's druggage)

A lot of people I ran into in africa were of the "if I get it, I'll just get treated" school of thought. That works just fine, if you'll be in an area where they know how to treat is fast, cheap and easy once you know you have it. I took that route. It's about $3us to treat in tanzania.

I was in Egypt before it showed up.

Just remember- some forms of malaria might as well be for life- like herpes, only without the embarassing social aspects. :laugh:

SDN isn't for soliciting professional advice. Please ask your doctor any questions you have. :)