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

pain1 gave this response on 5/19/2000:

Hi Stan

I can find no record of this type of side effect when taking Paxil, or indeed any other drug in that family of antidepressents.

If your suffering enough to be asking about this then I would say see your doctor as soon as you can.

There are plenty of other side effects with this type of drug, including changes in breathing and sleepiness but to have added complications like a sore throat and neck you really shouldn't leave it.

There may be a link in some way but after checking I can see none at this stage. If, however, there is a reason you are reacting to the drug there are plenty more of the same type available that may not affect you.

So get to your doctor right away, just to rule out any possible drug relationship.

Best wishes for a speedy search.

Dave (UK)

The average rating for this answer is 4.

You rated this answer a 4.

Thank you for the answer. It seemed odd that I too have not read of the reaction to Paxil. People often falsly believe that their medication is causing things it is not, so I thought I would check here.

Thank you again.