There’s no way we can bring Greg back.. but please don’t have another death like his Heartbroken dad pleads with Army to review anti-malaria medicine
Ven Naughton’s son Greg died by suicide at the age of 34 and he fears repeated exposure to the medication, which can cause serious psychotic side effects, may be to blame.
Mr Naughton told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “He used to complain about the Lariam, saying the effing officers get something else but we get this s**t.
“His flatmate said he was a bit strange when he came back from Chad. Other people said he used to go into trances. He came back early from his last tour of duty and nobody knew why.”
Greg served as a signalman in the army for 13 years and completed six tours of duty abroad.
Signs of depression emerged the Christmas before he died when Greg, who was usually “suited and booted” and loved visiting pals, arrived in a tracksuit and did not see his friends.
Tragedy struck just weeks later when he was found dead by his girlfriend at their home in Bray, Co Wicklow, on January 20, 2011.
Mr Naughton added: “She asked him to go with her to her mother’s for dinner but he said, ‘No I’m a little tired I’ll bring Belle [their dog] for a walk’.
“As she drove out of the estate he had the dog lead in his hand and he waved her off.
“When she came back she brought her sister with her. She went up the stairs and saw his legs hanging down from the attic door.
“When Greg was lying in the coffin I felt proud of him. He didn’t do anything wrong. Why does a person take their life? Because they’re in pain and they think there’s no way out.”
The Irish Medicines Board highlighted the risks associated with the drug in 1996 but the Department of Defence has yet to conclude an investigation started in 2013.
More than 50 soldiers are now suing the State over the malaria medicine. Two weeks ago a motion calling for the use of Lariam to be discontinued passed unopposed in the Dail.
Mr Naughton said: “It was an anti-climax. The Government benches were empty so I felt there was nobody listening. I’m asking the Army to please recognise there may be a problem. There’s no way that we can bring Greg back, but don’t have another Greg. Just don’t keep doing it.”
Makers Roche have said an EU safety assessment found the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks.
If you are affected by issues raised you can contact The Samaritans at 116123 or Pieta House at 1800 247 247.
His flatmate said he was a bit strange. Others said he went into trances VEN NAUGHTON ON HIS SON BEFORE HE DIED
news@irishmirror.ie Greg on tour
Army still uses the controversial malaria drug Anti-malaria drug Lariam Greg Naughton