Some soldiers who took the drug mefloquine complain it caused long-term brain damage and lasting side-effects, including night terrors, mood swings, panic attacks, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. Two law firms, which represent military veterans planning to launch legal action against the government, estimate that thousands of Canadian soldiers may be eligible for compensation. Canadian veteran John Dowe is the head of the Canadian chapter of the International Mefloquine Veterans' Alliance. (John Dowe) Dowe is convinced the drug played a role in the killing of Shidane Arone, a teenage boy who was beaten to death by a group of Canadian soldiers who were taking the drug. "The lawsuit deals with the human rights violations and the negligence for the way the drug was dispensed without proper medical screening," Dowe said.

Source: CBC News February 23, 2019 12:56 UTC