PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: See Disease Characteristics Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to a field encompassing the parotid glands At least 1 week since prior radiotherapy to the chief site of pain No concurrent radiotherapy to chief site of pain for 2 weeks following randomization Surgery: Not specified Other: No concurrent tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, or imipramine)