I have heard complaints about the side effects of both Larium and malarone -- although doxy has side effects as well (sun sensitivity).

At my age I already take so many pills, one more isn't a problem. For you young whippersnappers out there, a pill might seem oppressive.

Larium has the most and the most serious side effects of any of the anti-malarials. Malarone has the fewest side effects. But what matters is each individual's reaction to the medication. I use malarone, and have never had any side effects, but someone I know has had stomach upset from malarone so opts for doxy. Both Malarone and doxy have short half-lives, so must be taken at approximately the same time each day.

It is definately hard to remember to continue taking the anti malarial tablets once you return to your normal routine. Luckily I have not forgotten more than one day and usually catch up with in later in the day. I would not self medicate but rather rely on medical advice. Your doctor would know what you may be allergic to and prescribe the most effective medicine with the least side effects for your particular sensitivities. We took Larium many years ago for a trip to Thailand, but since then have been prescribed Doxycycline for both Thailand and India.
Hi thursdayd. That was just a reaction to your remark that I was talking absolute nonsense about not being able to use an international credit card on the Indian Railway website. That was certainly the case when I booked in March and in early April. There was no highlighted message on the website that they had changed their regulations. If they have, then I stand corrected. I guess I should not have taken your remarks personally.

Rasputin1 - no, I wrote: "Also, the Indian Railways web site is apparently accepting foreign credit cards <b>again</b>" - my emphasis.

I described as "nonsense" your claim that: "The sleeper trains are now generally three tier"

Sorry if your feelings were hurt, but I saw this as significant misinformation from a new poster.

My choice is Doxy if it is effective for the area of travel...where I live antibiotics are free!!

Neuman605: Lucky you! I wish I did . . .

Excuse me? Just because India is a developing countries doesn't mean diseases affect everyone. I live here since 13 years. Not once have I had malaria. So don't carry them.

"Not once have I had malaria." Lucky you. But that doesn't alter the fact that a LOT of other people have. See http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...inical-malaria

Extrapolating from one person's experience is foolish. You probably don't have HIV/AIDS either, that doesn't mean that other people shouldn't take precautions.

I am Indian born but have lived outside for 30 years. I take Malaria tablers when I visit India in winter. Amongst us expat Indians, the opinion is divided - some take the tabs and others not. Why I am writing is because last time I took Larium (Mephaquin). So did my son and husband. Both my son and I had horrible side effects - strange dreams/nightmares, mood changes, terrible nausea (from the third week ie. the third tablet, i couldnt keep food or water down for 2 days after having the tablet). I later found that this medication in extreme cases has caused terrible psychological problems, leading even to suicide. I was very upset that our doctor prescribed this without warning us. The daily tablet which I have taken in the past never caused these complications.