Anonymous asked this question on 5/19/2000:

Howdy.

Since I have been taking Paxil, my throat and neck have been slightly swollen and sore. It is not a major problem, but it is annoying and a bit uncomfortable.

My question is, is such a side effect "normal?"

Also, is this linked to histamine?

My general background: I am highly allergic to pine nuts. Eating just one will make my neck swell up and pinch off my throat, and be very painful. If I pinch a pine nut between my fingers and rub it on my arm, a few hours later my throat will swell up: I'm that allergic! (And folks, it ain't no fun!) I discovered this allergy from eating a frozen ravioli dinner (from Trader Joes) that advertised itself as having wallnuts in it, not pine nuts--- I tested wallnuts and they do not produce the effect.

Should I switch to a different SSRI?

P.S. UFO cult members need not reply.

Thank you very much.

-- Stan

ScreenMentor gave this response on 5/20/2000:

Sounds like an allergic reaction to me. I broke out in awesome hives with Paxil. I looked like someone threw several dozen red golf balls at me and they all stuck!

But with Zoloft I had no problems. And now with Celexa I'm doing pretty good.

Finding the right medication is unfortunately a matter of trial and error. If Paxil causes problems for you then try something else!