A WORD TO THE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OF SUFFERERS
Lariam toxicity is particularly distressing for close friends and relatives, as they feel quite powerless to do anything to assist. Relatives and friends have to go through the initial period of trying to find out exactly what is wrong with the sufferer, which is then followed by a search to find someone or something to help. After a period of time, the realization that Lariam is the cause becomes stronger.
During this time, relatives and friends are seeing a sufferer experience physical illness together with depression and often suicidal or paranoid tendencies and perhaps psychotic illness. Relatives often write to Lariam Action groups of "the changed personality" of their nearest and dearest.
From a sufferer's point of view, I can only advise relatives and friends that the "illness" is all consuming; you can think of little else and it is often accompanied by a constant fear "that something terrible" is going to happen to you. Most sufferers have been severely unwell and will have in their memory the severity and frightening experiences of the onset of illness. This leaves many of us terrified we will experience these feelings and symptoms again.
Friends and relatives must find the patience of a saint to deal with a Lariam sufferer. Constant reassurance, repeatedly talking over the same problems and fears are necessary together with words of encouragement and love. Friends and relatives must accept that time will heal and in the meantime, an environment as stress-free as possible is needed as well as a "plan of recovery" devised to suit the individual.
As Lariam sufferers, we ask a lot of our friends and relatives, but at the end of the day we're worth it!