Does anyone suffer from anxiety? (incl. travel)

[grandgathering]

Hey there fellow DIS'ers!

Just a quick some what OT but somewhat on topic kinda question...

I have had a few panic/anxiety attacks this summer (my dr. is running tests - but pretty sure its just my stressed self ) anyhow, I have been perscribed Ativan, which I have only had to take once. In any case....I have flown many times in my life but I have never really been great on a plane. I talk a ton, and I get very fidgity (sp?) - other then that im ok.

On to my question - since these few panic attacks, I am wondering how my flight will be? I am bringing my children hubby and 2 other families with me...so I was thinking..........if anyone else suffers from panic attacks out there, do you ever take the Ativan pre-attack or just take it if it happens on the plane?

Any suggestions would be great!!!!!!

Cheers everyone!

[Macduffy]

I've taken that particular drug for dentist appointments (specifically a root canal) I have severe dental anxiety!

When I take it it is the night before the procedure so I can sleep. I take something else an hour before I go it. It must have helped as I slept. I still had some anxiety but I wasn't hyperventilating as I had before. I would talk to your pharmasist about when is the best time to take it and find out how long the medication lasts and when you can take it again!

HTH

[grandgathering]

thanks for sharing - oh, I will certainly talk to my doctor and pharmacist about when to take it - but Its always good to hear others experiences as well - sometimes the best knowledge you get doesnt come from the professionals...

[two*little*birds]

I take Ativan every time I fly... anywhere from 2-3 mgs (sub-lingual). I also take Gravol. Typically I take it 30-45 minutes before the flight - Ativan stays in your system for approximately 4 hours.

Talk with your GP or pharmacist, you'll be fine.

[grandgathering]

GOOD to hear from someone! thank you!
Do you take the gravol and ativan together at around the same time?
Thanks again so much for your input!

[two*little*birds]

Actually I take the Gravol about an hour before the flight - I believe that's what the packaging says to do too.

I had my first real panic attack a few months ago, and I would hate to think about having one on a plane!

[SandraC]

I've had panic attacks all my life. I'm 44 and they started when I was 8....but I didn't know what they were for years.

My children suffer from them too.

I'm on a permanent med and I love it! I have General Anxiety Disorder. Basically my "panic" button goes off for no good reason. My "Happy Pill" fixed everything up.

My daughter is a teenager and takes Ativan occasionally. But she prefers Gravol.

Both my kids are learning coping strategies and doing pretty good.

I think LOTS of folks have anxiety disorders but don't know what's up.

Read everything you can and find coping tricks that work for you.

They do go away.

Blessings, Sandra

[two*little*birds]

Sandra, can I ask what you take for your GAD? You can PM me.