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

RainingWords gave this response on 5/19/2000:

Stan,

I have tried many anti-depressants, including Paxil, and through my trial and error I have found that anti-depressants effect each person differently. There are many side effects to these types of medications, but there are enough of them out there to try. The problem you are having can just be your bodies reaction to Paxil. I suggest you make your therapist aware of the situation so she can evaluate and change the medication. You just need to find an anti-depressant that reacts positively with you body and helps relieve the depression. It does become a matter of trial and error since there is no way to link a certain person to the right medication for them. Again I have tried many, and am still looking for the right one. It can be frustrating, but there is a med for you it's just a matter of finding it. Let your therapist know as soon as you can! If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at Raining Words@cs.com! I would be happy to discuss any more questions that you have or if you would just like someone to talk to. There is a very good site for information, mental health.net There are message boards and chat rooms with others in similar situations. I am usually there under the name RainingWords.

I hope all goes well Stan, Let me know!

The average rating for this answer is 4.

You rated this answer a 4.

Thank you for your input. I will indeed talk to my psychiatrist--- she has not heard about swollen throats before, but as I said I am extremely alergic to SOMETHING here.