Former British Army chief says that Irish soldiers are being given a drug that may cause depression

Irish soldiers are being given a drug that has potentially harmful side effects such as severe anxiety, depression and aggressive outbursts according to the former head of the British Army, Lord Richard Dannatt.

The drug in question is an anti-malarial drug called Lariam, which is still available to members of the Irish Defence Forces from international wholesalers, despite the fact that it was taken off the Irish market in July. The drug was first prescribed to Irish soldiers in 2001 during a peacekeeping mission in Eirtrea, where malaria is a common disease.

The drug has caused controversy over the past number of years, with many soldiers and former soldiers complaining about the after effects of using it. Lord Dannatt has outlined how his son Bertie took two dosages during the 90s, which left him extremely depressed.

"Because Bertie had that effect, whenever I’ve needed anti-malarial drugs, I’ve said, ‘I’ll take anything, but I’m not taking Lariam," said Lord Dannatt.

While Lariam is an extremely effective drug when it comes to preventing malaria, there have been questions raised over its use in recent years. The British and Irish armies have other drugs available to defend themselves against the disease, but Lariam remains the most effective. 

Source:  http://www.kildarenow.com/news/former-british-army-chief-says-that-irish-soldiers-are-being-given-a-drug-that-may-cause-depression/114940