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

Imagika gave this response on 5/19/2000:

I wouldn't consider that to be as "normal" side effect... unless Paxil is made with pine nuts in which case you're reacting to your allergy, but I kind of doubt that Paxill is made with such an ingredient. I would speak to your doctor about maybe switching you're meds... or at least determining whether or not pine nuts are a regular ingredient in Paxill! Some side effects you can live with... but one like that, I wouldn't... especially because of how odd it seems. Call your doc and see what's going on. Take care and good luck!

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