Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swelling In The Throat While On Synthroid?
Question: I have had a feeling of my throat swelling for about a month. I'm on synthroid .05. The symptoms started when I weaned off of escitalopram. It was not helping me sleep any longer. Along with thyroid problem, I'm been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a sleeping disorder. What could be causing this swelling feeling and what can I do to get rid of it. My local doctor says she doesn't know and it may just take a while to get the ssri out of my system but it's been a month. I'm a 61 year old female.
Brief Answer:
This might be due to anxiety but neck ultrasound might be needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
The feeling of throat discomfort or swelling might happen with different medical problems.
One of them would be anxiety and that might be the most likely in your case if it started after stopping escitalopram. Escitalopram is an antidepressant that might help with depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia also and might help with sleep problems if they are due to anxiety or depression. The fact that escitalopram did not help with insomnia it does not mean is not helpful if you have depression, anxiety or fibromyalgia. I would encourage you to speak again with your doctor and reconsider starting it again and see if the throat sensation gets better- in this case escitalopram seems to be helping you with anxiety and I would add another medication for insomnia like Zolpidem for example.
Another option would be to take amitriptiline which is an antidepressant that might help with anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia and also causes sleepiness and might help with the sleep problmes yoy have- you will need to again speak with you doctor as this might have more side effects and you need to be evaluated before starting it.
It you feel the swelling is also causing you swallowing problems (or making swallowing difficult) you will need an endocscopy to visualise the esophagus and also a neck ultrasound to see the thyroid and for any neck masses as sometimes these might cause you the feeling of swelling and need to be diagnosed.
So to conclude i would say:
1. Have a neck ultrasound done- check thyroid and for neck masses
2. if the ultrasound is normal and you have difficulty swallowing than have an esophageal endoscopy
3. If you have not had a heart ultrasound and ECG I would do one as sometimes heart problems might cause the feeling of tightness in the neck and should not be confused with other diagnosis
4. if all the tests are normal consider adding something for anxiety/depression that will cover sleep problems (escitalopram with Zolpidem or amitriptiline alone- speak with your doctor on the best option).
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
This might be due to anxiety but neck ultrasound might be needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
The feeling of throat discomfort or swelling might happen with different medical problems.
One of them would be anxiety and that might be the most likely in your case if it started after stopping escitalopram. Escitalopram is an antidepressant that might help with depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia also and might help with sleep problems if they are due to anxiety or depression. The fact that escitalopram did not help with insomnia it does not mean is not helpful if you have depression, anxiety or fibromyalgia. I would encourage you to speak again with your doctor and reconsider starting it again and see if the throat sensation gets better- in this case escitalopram seems to be helping you with anxiety and I would add another medication for insomnia like Zolpidem for example.
Another option would be to take amitriptiline which is an antidepressant that might help with anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia and also causes sleepiness and might help with the sleep problmes yoy have- you will need to again speak with you doctor as this might have more side effects and you need to be evaluated before starting it.
It you feel the swelling is also causing you swallowing problems (or making swallowing difficult) you will need an endocscopy to visualise the esophagus and also a neck ultrasound to see the thyroid and for any neck masses as sometimes these might cause you the feeling of swelling and need to be diagnosed.
So to conclude i would say:
1. Have a neck ultrasound done- check thyroid and for neck masses
2. if the ultrasound is normal and you have difficulty swallowing than have an esophageal endoscopy
3. If you have not had a heart ultrasound and ECG I would do one as sometimes heart problems might cause the feeling of tightness in the neck and should not be confused with other diagnosis
4. if all the tests are normal consider adding something for anxiety/depression that will cover sleep problems (escitalopram with Zolpidem or amitriptiline alone- speak with your doctor on the best option).
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
