Is My Throat Pain a Side Effect of SMILON Medication?

Q: Is My Throat Pain a Side Effect of SMILON Medication?

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Is it a side effect of the medication?

Hello Doctor, I have been taking one SMILON (Sumeining) 15 mg film-coated tablet every night before bed for nearly two months.
Initially, the only side effect I experienced was an increased appetite and some weight gain, but I did not feel any other discomfort.
However, starting two days ago, I began to feel pain in the left side of my throat when swallowing saliva.
I thought it might be a symptom of a cold, so today, on August 7th, I visited an ENT specialist.
The medications prescribed by the ENT included antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relief medications.
Aside from the sore throat, I do not have any other cold symptoms.
Today is the first day after my appointment, and I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
1.
I previously checked the information on Sumeining, which states that if symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or oral inflammation occur, treatment should be stopped immediately and a blood test should be done to check white blood cell count.
I am unclear if my sore throat is related to Sumeining.
I am very concerned about this issue and do not know how to proceed.

2.
Should I wait until I finish the three days of medication prescribed by the ENT to determine if the sore throat resolves, indicating it is unrelated to Sumeining?
3.
Should I get a blood test to check my white blood cell count first?
4.
If the sore throat is caused by Sumeining, what serious effects could it have, and what should I do?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with detailed answers to these questions.
I am really worried and anxious.
Thank you for your patience and care, Doctor!

Nǐngmìng nǚ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/07

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello: Similar to other antidepressants, a very small percentage of patients may experience bone marrow suppression due to individual constitution after taking Suvenil, leading to reversible agranulocytosis.
Severe agranulocytosis can result in opportunistic infections.
Although the likelihood of this occurring is extremely low, as a precaution, it is recommended to discontinue the medication and properly manage the upper respiratory infection.
If symptoms improve day by day, you can consider resuming Suvenil after recovery.
If symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to have a blood test to confirm the white blood cell count.

Reply Date: 2018/08/07

More Info

Throat pain can indeed be a concerning symptom, especially when you are on medication like SMILON (also known as Sinequan or Doxepin). It’s understandable that you are worried about the potential side effects of your medication, particularly since you have read about serious symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Is my throat pain related to SMILON?
While SMILON is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Throat pain is not a commonly reported side effect, but it can occur due to various reasons, including dry mouth, which is a known side effect of many antidepressants, including SMILON. Dry mouth can lead to throat discomfort and even increase the risk of throat infections. However, since you have also mentioned that you have no other symptoms of a cold or flu, it may not be directly related to the medication. It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

2. Should I wait until I finish the antibiotics to determine if the throat pain is related to SMILON?
Yes, it would be prudent to complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your ENT specialist. If your throat pain improves after finishing the antibiotics, it may indicate that the pain was due to an infection rather than a direct side effect of SMILON. However, if the pain persists even after the antibiotics, it would be wise to revisit your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of SMILON being a contributing factor.

3. Should I get a blood test to check my white blood cell count?
If your throat pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, it would be advisable to get a blood test to check your white blood cell count. This test can help rule out any serious conditions, including infections that could lead to a decrease in white blood cells, a rare but serious side effect of some medications. Your healthcare provider can guide you on whether this step is necessary based on your current symptoms.

4. What are the potential serious effects if SMILON is causing my throat pain?
If SMILON is indeed causing your throat pain due to a serious side effect, it could potentially lead to complications such as infections if left untreated. However, serious adverse reactions are rare. If you experience additional symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, severe pain, or signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling or rash), you should seek immediate medical attention.
In summary, while your throat pain may not be directly related to SMILON, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. Completing your prescribed antibiotics is a good first step, and if your symptoms do not improve, follow up with your healthcare provider. Always communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, as they can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential medication side effects.

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