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What Causes Sore Throat After Taking Aplenzin?

Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016

Question: Hi, I've been on Aplenzin 348mg (antidepressant) for 8 years. I've had a sore throat since July. Taken several antibiotics and no help. Could it be this drug all of a sudden.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Culture of throat swab recommended...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

You mention to have sore throat since July, gave three rounds of antibiotics and not working. At this point, I suggest to ask your doctor about running culture of throat swab to see if it's bacterial or fungal or viral.

From what you mentioned, it seems more like an irritation in your throat that makes me think about hyperacidity of stomach liquid.

Here I need to ask if you have any burning sensation it feeling fullness after eating? when laying? or Pain or any other symptom apart sore throat?

We should rule them out first before confirming it's due to Aplenzin.

Thank you.
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (10 hours later)

I don't have any burning, the doctor also thought the same thing, I took 2 months of omperazole 40mg. I did not see any change. They did run a culture on my throat, they said it was viral. I'm confused when I take these supplements it seems to do well. The antibiotic did help, it was definitely infected back in July.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your new data refer weak immune system..here we should work...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Sorry for the late reply due to my XXXXXXX clinical overload.

I am happy to have the new details from you. That explained many things for your case:
- if culture swab testing discovered it was viral, then, this explains why you get better after taking this supplements.
Let me explain why:
- viral infection are always associated with low immunity. Such supplements will help strengthen your immunity level and will help locally as oral antiseptic and helping to clear sore throat.
- sometimes, viral infections are associated with bacterial co-infections (secondary infections) explaining you felt better after antibiotic use.

Here, I'd suggest to start the best treatment strategy in your case:
- increasing your immune system
- keeping a good oral hygiene

If after these steps, you will have the same feeling, then, I suggest to consult with your doctor to stop Aplezin or to replace it with another similar drug and see the changes.

As you suffer of Parkinson's disease, a good neurological examination is suggested to rule out nerve damage.

Hope this helps.
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (9 hours later)

Thank you so much or the info. I did have some blood test, my IgM came back low with 29mg/dl. They report said the range is 50-260. Would that be an issue with any of this and should I be concerned. I agree with you on building up the immunity as I am in the progress of doing that. Also, the throat get worse later in the day. I do have an appointment for allergy testing.

Its very frustrating, because my throat is always in pain. I don't know what to take or do. I know soon as I go off these supplement its going to get worse.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to assist you...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up.

Allergy testing is also much recommended to rule out possible allergies including those related to Aplenzin.

Ok, let me know the results then
Thank you.
Dr.Sejdini

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D