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The first time I took Malarone I had no problems but the second time early this year when we visited Kruger was an absolute disaster. I took it in the evenings to give it time to work through my system but still spent most of our precious time in Kruger racing between toilets. The stomach cramps were horrendous and there genuinely were times when I would have risked getting eaten to be able to relieve myself. I now read about Doxycyline, does anybody know about upset stomach side effects with this drug? I really cant bear to ruin another holiday like the last one.

What about taking a valoid at the same time...might help?

I used Doxy, and on two occasions left my breakfast (just coffee, can't eat anything early) at the roadside.
Otherwise no problem, aside from the fact that you get sunburned quicker, so take precautions for that.

I've had the same thing so I now take Doxy. Downside you have to take it for longer and have to use a sunblock as it increases sensitivity to the sun. Upside is, its much cheaper.

However I have just reread the Malarone instructions and it says not to lie down within an hour of taking it so that may be a cause of the stomach upset?

Reads very awful this thread!!

Does to me cause,- " protection",
seems a killer itself!!!

Without wishing to be too graphic my problem wasnt nausea but rather the "other end of the spectrum" which was even worse so I am afraid anti-nausea tablets wont help. I have just been reading up on the alternatives to Malarone and it still seems to be the best of a bad bunch which isnt great news. The alternative is going without and using buckets of mosquito repellant and long sleeves and pants which is probably not the best idea but sounds way more attractive than spending 10 days doubled over....

Like you I took many years Malarone... and last time (2009) I was so sick I stop the medication
This year (2011) I asked for something else... they (University Policlinic of Lausanne) give me SUPRACYCLINE tabs (Doxycycline) and give me something "Motilium" against upset.
But, there is a but, SUPRACYCLINE is a little bit new and maybe could do some skin problems with the sun... for me all was ok during more than 2 months and without need of Motilium

My 12 year old son and I always take Mefliam and have never experienced any bad reactions. Everyone I have spoken to says it is the one with the least side effects.

I agree with Flutterby; mefloquine (brand names Larium or Mefliam) is excellent. I haven't experienced any side-effects from it in all the years that I've taken it. And one only takes it once a week, not everyday like some of the other malaria prophylaxis.

All these different experiences underline just how important it is to get advice from medical practioner who knows your medical history. We all react in different ways to different drugs at different times

So true we have used Mefliam for many years with no side effects, when I told my friend about it, she asked her doctor and he told her she could not use it because of her specific liver problems.

RIGHT... we have to ask to the Doctor... and to have an orderly

Just a thought - as it hasn't been mentioned here:
We have used Malarone or Lariam (depending on length of trip) with no side affects except for "lariam dreams" over some years now.
However, we only take the tablets AFTER dinner.
I suspect a full stomach reduces any unpleasant effects for us.
Cheers
Ash

Assuming the formulations are identical and just the branding name that differs, we have used Malanil (Malarone) and Malanil Paediatric for protracted periods with virtually no side effects other than myself who on one occasion developed minor tiny mouth ulcers for three days which then cleared up.We always take them early morning post breakfast. Have to say I am quite surprised by this report back.These are the first negatives I have encountered and it has been quite a few years now. Reckon a chat with the doc may shed some light, failing which a switch is probably on the cards anyway. Completely understand your concerns about precious holiday time quality being compromised Hope you get some workable solution ------

My family and I have had bad side effects to most medication, but Malerone has tended to have the fewest. My daughter travels to maleria areas often and is careful with her eating, because she tends to have a sensitive response. She swears that Oats help her with tummy problems.

Doxy tabs can cause intense nausea and vomiting in some. My worst memory is of the whole family standing at the side of the road, throwing up breakfast. We found that if we took them after breakfast, particularly if there was a bit of porrige, it helps. Porrige actually gives a good lining and can even have some anti-inflamitory effects. We had not been doing it before, because, if I remember correctly, milk was contra indicated when taking the tablets.

With Doxycycline, you do have to be careful of the sun. Fair people can burn very badly.

Larium must never be taken if there is any history of anxiety and depression. I never had a problem with Larium, other than the Larium dreams. I took it once when I was going through a very stressful time with exams and finishing a project. To my horror, when I arrived home I started have serius panic attacks, enough to send my to a Psychiatrist. She stated that she has seen this side effect fairly often and has even had to admit people for psychosis.

So, if you are under unusual stress, even if you have no history of anxiety, take care.