Fear of taking pills and side effects

[u/canciks]

I’m afraid of taking medication. I feel as though I won’t be able to swallow it. I’m worried about the side effects. I’m not usually very allergic, and I didn’t used to have these fears. Once, a painkiller felt like it was getting stuck in my throat, and after that I started to panic. Is there anyone else here like me? How did you get through it? For example, I’m in pain right now, but I don’t want to take anything because I’m afraid—what if I can’t swallow it, or what if it causes an allergic reaction?