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On Amitriptyline For Shingles. Started Getting Sore Throat And Trouble In Swallowing Food. Should I Be Worried?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Nov 2012
Question: I had shingles in early July and was I was given 50mgs of amitriptyline to take on a daily basis to deal with pain. I experienced side effects from the medicine (dry mouth, drowsiness (although this helped me sleep correctly and also deal with anxiety, which i had not realised was an issue before i fell ill, slight constipation, occasional heart palpations and very vivid dreams but they were all bearable considering I was no longer in pain). But over the last two weeks I have had a really sore throat and trouble swallowing food. I have been talking lemsip and throat lozenges to help but it has not completely healed. I have since been looking at the side effects of amitriplyline and it says to consult a doctors should you get a sore throat. Should I be worried? I have a telephone consultation booked for the 18th October, should I seek attention before then or am I ok to wait the till the 18th October 2012?
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Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (10 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.

Your current problem (sore throat and trouble swallowing) is occuring for 2 weeks, after more than 2 month use of amitryptiline. As mentioned, you tolerated side effects without much difficulty.

According to me, side effects like sore throat and trouble swallowing is not likely because of amitryptiline, specially after months of successful use.

You should get investigated for common causes for such problem like:
-Infection in throat
-Acid reflux in throat

Get your complete blood count done before physician visit. If acidity present, you can use over the counter available tablet like ranitidine 2 times a day.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.

Wish you good health.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ashish Mittal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1859 Questions

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On Amitriptyline For Shingles. Started Getting Sore Throat And Trouble In Swallowing Food. Should I Be Worried?

Hello,
Thanks for your query.

I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.

Your current problem (sore throat and trouble swallowing) is occuring for 2 weeks, after more than 2 month use of amitryptiline. As mentioned, you tolerated side effects without much difficulty.

According to me, side effects like sore throat and trouble swallowing is not likely because of amitryptiline, specially after months of successful use.

You should get investigated for common causes for such problem like:
-Infection in throat
-Acid reflux in throat

Get your complete blood count done before physician visit. If acidity present, you can use over the counter available tablet like ranitidine 2 times a day.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.

Wish you good health.
Regards,