Choking on cold liquids

[RWG]

In the past couple of months I choke when I drink something cold.  It is like I have been punched in the throat.  Also during the past few months I have been having a lot of anxiety that started after I took two doses of Lexapro.  The doctor gave me that because I have a lot of trouble sleeping.  When I told him about my throat, he said it is just the nervousness, but didn't bother to look at it.  I am not a hypocondriac, and haven't missed a day of work in 20 years.  This happens whether I am feeling nervous or not, just anytime I drink something cold.  Has anyone heard of anxiety causing this problem?

[socgirl]

I've never heard of anxiety manifesting in this way, but anything is possible.  Have you had a recent injury to your throat?  Like maybe badly scratched ot or something if you were eating something with sharp edges, like a chip or something?  you should definitely see your doc or maybe switch docs if he isn't giving you the care you need.  Is this  pcp that prescribed lexapro?  Usually lexapro isn't given for sleeping problems...unless your'e depressed too.  Maybe go to a psychiatrist.  The only anti-depressant that i know is used more for sleep is trazadone...it's more effective as a sleep aid, rather than anti-depressant.

[chicagopsy]

A few patients of mine, who are all on the same medication and all suffer from moderate anxiety have recently described similar experiences.  

They cough when drinking cold beverages.  Most say it is just the first few sips and then everything is okay after that.  They all say the onset was sudden and doesn't appear serious though it bothers them they this should suddenly happen.  I wasn't sure whether to attribute this to anxiety or medication.

BTW, the medication in question here is not Lexapro. Are you on any other medications?  I'd be very interested to know whether there is a correlation here.

[RWG]

The throat problems started about two months ago.  There was nothing new that I have been taking since then.  Just vytorin for cholesterol and an either Ambien or Sonata for sleep.  The throat hurts for about an hour after this happens.  Something really cold, like a milk shake won't go down at all, and literally comes back up.

[RWG]

I forgot, the doctor now has given me Seroquel for the insomnia, but that was after the swollowing problems started.  I have read something about esophigal spasm that sound a lot like what I am feeling.

[Pum]

It sounds like globus hystericus or something like that and yes it is caused by anxiety.  Good luck with your recovery.