I am very familiar with the "problems swallowing," which is how I phrased it, too. It was much worse when I was a teenager in school (probably because I was in a much more anxiety-inducing time and place). I wasn't afraid of choking on saliva, but I just couldn't swallow, and it was really scary. That itself could make me panicky.

I haven't been on the drug you are, but these meds usually help to some degree, and often have side effects. They won't change your likes and dislikes, and what makes you happy will still make you happy, and what makes you mad will still make you mad. However, I did find that some of my "passion" left, and I'm not referring to sexual desire (although, that, too, was an issue). By passion, I mean the strong feelings that make me feel alive, and really enjoy life. Some may prefer that, because they may find it helps them deal with emotions that seem all over the place, but I'm not that bad with that kind of thing. I'm going off meds, a little at a time, under my shrink's care, but I've been on many different and combinations of meds for 29 years.

You can research the medication for side effects that are likely for that specific medication. Common side effects for psych meds in general include dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, appetite increase or decrease, decrease in sex drive, and some others, but most will pass after a few days.

I recommend keeping a chart of any changes that occur when the meds are increased or decreased. For instance, if you find you're in a better or worse mood (with nothing to cause these moods), or experience unusual physical symptoms, after a change in meds, note that, and let your pdoc know. If it's something especially odd or worrisome, like tremors, let the pdoc know right away; don't wait for your next appointment.

One bit of advice I read long ago, when I was more afraid of taking new meds (I'm still nervous anytime I do), is to see if they'll let you sit in the waiting room after your first (and, if needed second) dose. Maybe even with another patient who's also taking a med for the first time, or just someone to sit with you. Even if not in the office, maybe someone else who's a patient can be with you, or again, a friend just to be with you.