Today I was innocuated against hepatitis A, I think, and I have to go back for about a hundred more jabs before I go to South America.

I was reading the malaria information, and here are some side-effects for two of the drugs I have to choose between:

Mefloquine - 250mg (Lariam) 1 tablet WEEKLY

The least common side-effects are: “pyschiatric reactions which may be disabling and last for more than several weeks”. Well that’s always good to know, isn’t it. You know, that I might go mad, and it might last for a while. Here are some more of the things they list…

• unusual changes in mood or behaviour
• feelings of worry or anxiety
• depression
• feelings of persecution
• crying
• aggresion
• restlessness
• forgetfulness
• agitiation
• confusion
• panic

And of course, everybody’s favourite:

• hallucinations

It goes on to say, “there have also been rare reports of suicidal tendencies”. That’s alright then! Oh, it also mentions something about hair loss.

I’m almost expecting it to add, “And that’s just for starters”, but maybe that’s just because I’m dramatic when it comes to, you know, going mad, for crying out loud.

Doxycycline - 100mg 1 capsule or tablet DAILY

This one’s not so bad. It’s just sticking with the “upset stomach, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, difficulty in swallowing, sore or painful tongue or mouth, loss of appetite and soreness and itching of the rectal and/or genital area.” However… “These side-effects are usually mild.”

Isn’t drugs fun, kids?