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Neuro-psychiatric effects of antimalarials
M M van Riemsdijk1, M M van der Klauw, J A van Heest
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Mefloquine use was linked to higher rates of insomnia, particularly in women, compared to proguanil or no antimalarial use. This study highlights potential neuro-psychiatric adverse effects of antimalarial drugs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Travel Medicine
- Neuropsychiatry
Background:
- Antimalarial drugs are crucial for preventing malaria in travelers.
- Neuropsychiatric adverse effects of antimalarials can impact traveler well-being.
- Understanding these effects is vital for informed prescribing and patient counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuro-psychiatric adverse effects associated with antimalarial drug use.
- To compare the incidence of adverse effects between mefloquine, proguanil, and no antimalarial use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving travelers visiting a Travel Clinic.
- Data collected via structured questionnaires, including mood state assessments.
- Participants included users of mefloquine, proguanil, and non-users of antimalarials.
Main Results:
- Insomnia was significantly more frequent in mefloquine users compared to non-users.
- Mefloquine use was associated with increased risk of insomnia and palpitations, especially in women.
- No significant differences in depression, anxiety, agitation, or confusion were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- Insomnia is a notable adverse effect of mefloquine, more common than with proguanil or no antimalarial use.
- Women appear more susceptible to mefloquine-related insomnia and palpitations.
- Further research into gender-specific adverse reactions to antimalarials is warranted.