26 year old woman with crippling flying anxiety; no help from doctor; Benedryl?

[majesticartax]

Hello all! My boyfriend and I are happily leaving for WDW next Tuesday... But I suppose it isn't as happy of an occasion as it should be. Not yet anyway. I developed a terrible case of flying anxiety the last two times I've been on a plane: sobbing, gasping, shaking, feelings of impending doom, all that jazz. I asked my doctor to help with some sort of prescription but she responds to me as if I'm some type of junkie looking to get high (I don't even drink), so she has been no help and the source of even more stress (aren't doctors supposed to help people?)

So my question is this, has anyone ever taken a low dose of Benedryl to help with anxiety, and does it actually help? My (second) biggest fear is that I'll be passed out when we land at 10am and not want to go enjoy myself! So does a low dose make you calm but not exhausted/sleepy/groggy? Thank you!

 

[ChristmasElf]

I fly 4 days average per week, and I can assure you that flying is very safe.
Flying is actually safer than riding in a car.

Maybe you can try to sleep on your flight.

Maybe sip some hot tea during the trip to help relax.

Talk about your plans and what you will see and do while here at Disney to help pass the time. Not only will this pass the time, but if you are thinking about Disney and having fun, you won't have time to worry about the plane ride.

 

[robinb]

Can you see another doctor in the next two days?

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Call your airport and ask if they have any classes in the next few days for flight anxiety. Our airport offers them for different fears (security, mechanical problems, claustrophobia, etc)

The Benedryl will make you groggy for 6 hours or so and may not knock you out. I took one on a 15 hour flight just to try to get some sleep...big mistake. I was too awake, only slept an hour and then had to deal with the groggy feeling after. A Xanax would be the better drug of choice for anxiety, but that will know you out for a long time.

Try to remain calm, know flying is safe, bring an engaging book, headphones and music, etc. and work on visualization techniques. I had a 45 minute MRI yesterday (closed) and what got me through was visualizing my day at Epcot...attraction by attraction, etc. the time flew by and I didn't get anxious at all.

Good luck!

 

[robinb]

I don't know anything about anti-anxiety medication but could the OP's desire to be completely alert when she lands the reason why her doctor won't prescribe her anything?

 

[majesticartax]

I fly 4 days average per week, and I can assure you that flying is very safe.
Flying is actually safer than riding in a car.

Maybe you can try to sleep on your flight.

Maybe sip some hot tea during the trip to help relax.

Talk about your plans and what you will see and do while here at Disney to help pass the time. Not only will this pass the time, but if you are thinking about Disney and having fun, you won't have time to worry about the plane ride.

All of those things sound wonderful, but I unfortunately have a feeling that it won't work. I'm actually not even afraid of dying, it's more of an agoraphobic/no escape feeling that I can't reason my way out of. I know being with my SO will help me, but I don't want him to know how frightened I am.. I'm a very proud person, which is quite a hinderance in lots of situations, especially this one. Also, the darling lad tends to fall asleep within the first 5 minutes of ANY type of transportation, so I would feel guilty trying to talk his ear off when he is nodding out :/. Sounds like I need to get over lots of things haha. Anyway, I'll try the tea thing, it sounds like a good plan thanks!

 

[majesticartax]

Can you see another doctor in the next two days?

Probably not, it's usually a busy time for appointments around this time of year (people off or on vacation for Memorial Day). I am working a lot too :/ so I would only have a tiny window of opportunity for appointment times.

 

[majesticartax]

I don't know anything about anti-anxiety medication but could the OP's desire to be completely alert when she lands the reason why her doctor won't prescribe her anything?

My doctor's exact words were, "you need to limit your use of controlled substances" to which I replied, "I don't take any medications, controlled or otherwise." She has denied me medication in the past, once during a gallbladder attack! She is just one of those doctors who is afraid of using her pen, or she thinks that I have some sort of drug abuse problem which I clearly don't.

I did however have a script for Xanax once in my life, many years ago, and I recall them not making me tired at all. If a person has anxiety, anxiety meds won't make them tired, the meds just make them not anxious! Anyway, sorry for the long story.

 

[antree]

Have you ever used Dramamine before. I know it is for motion sickness, but it seem to help calm the nerves of 2 friends the first time they flew.
My niece flew the first time with me and she was a mess, scared to death. I had
Dramamine on me and nor knowing how she do with flying and feeling sick I gave it to her and she said it helped her a lot. I am sure it was the antihistamine in it but it worked, and the same for another friend a different time.

 

[robinb]

My doctor's exact words were, "you need to limit your use of controlled substances" to which I replied, "I don't take any medications, controlled or otherwise." She has denied me medication in the past, once during a gallbladder attack! She is just one of those doctors who is afraid of using her pen, or she thinks that I have some sort of drug abuse problem which I clearly don't.

I did however have a script for Xanax once in my life, many years ago, and I recall them not making me tired at all. If a person has anxiety, anxiety meds won't make them tired, the meds just make them not anxious! Anyway, sorry for the long story.

It's well past time for a new doctor ! Can you go to urgent care? You might have to wait a bit longer since your need isn't an emergency but it would be worth it to have a less stressful flight.

 

[wiigirl]

It's well past time for a new doctor ! Can you go to urgent care? You might have to wait a bit longer since your need isn't an emergency but it would be worth it to have a less stressful flight.

Also you my talk to a phsyciatrist. They can usually diagnose over the phone and give you a small perscription for the plane.

 

[Mary2e]

My doctor's exact words were, "you need to limit your use of controlled substances" to which I replied, "I don't take any medications, controlled or otherwise." She has denied me medication in the past, once during a gallbladder attack! She is just one of those doctors who is afraid of using her pen, or she thinks that I have some sort of drug abuse problem which I clearly don't.

I did however have a script for Xanax once in my life, many years ago, and I recall them not making me tired at all. If a person has anxiety, anxiety meds won't make them tired, the meds just make them not anxious! Anyway, sorry for the long story.

Try asking your MD for a prescription for *2* pills only.

If that doesn't work, it's time to find a new doctor who will write the script for a small number of pills to cover your flights.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

A little late, but before your next trip I would find a new Doctor. That behavior was unacceptable

 

[majesticartax]

Have you ever used Dramamine before. I know it is for motion sickness, but it seem to help calm the nerves of 2 friends the first time they flew.
My niece flew the first time with me and she was a mess, scared to death. I had
Dramamine on me and nor knowing how she do with flying and feeling sick I gave it to her and she said it helped her a lot. I am sure it was the antihistamine in it but it worked, and the same for another friend a different time.

I could definitely try that! I think I'll pick some of that up today and also some Benadryl and see which one makes me least drowsy with a low dose. I just hope I don't fall asleep at work!

 

[majesticartax]

Try asking your MD for a prescription for *2* pills only.

If that doesn't work, it's time to find a new doctor who will write the script for a small number of pills to cover your flights.

I actually asked her for ONE, and I would take half for each flight. Still refused.

 

[goofy4tink]

Do I fly? Yes I do. Am I happy about it? No, I am not. But it's a means to an end. I'll be in the air to WDW next Tuesday as well. My 37 y/o dd is an awful flier!!! She sounds a lot like you. Flying with her is not a calming thing!!! My 19 y/o dd does much better than her sister!!!
Anyway....here's my best advice. Be well rested. Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Buy some magazines to read....especially upon take-off and landing!! Then, when you get to the gate, don't just sit there, scared to death and nervous. Get up and move around. Go to the restroom, walk,walk, walk Let your boyfriend watch your stuff.
When it's time to board....deep breathing really helps. Go to your seat, stow your stuff. Sit back, relaxing...deep breathing. Yes, it can be scary...been there, done that. Watch the FAs. As they calmly go about their business, you will see that there is no need for panic/stress.
Occupy yourself in the air. The less time you spend looking down the aisle of the plane, worrying about that 'no escape' thing, the better off you'll be. Bring some music along..listen to that. Read a book or one of the magazines. Keep deep breathing..it really does help.

I understand the anxiety you are feeling. I'm not sure antihistimines will help...they will make you sleepy, but that's about it. Just keep thinking about all the fun you're going to be having!!!

And when you get home?? Find a new doctor. I'm not a huge advocate of handing out anxiety meds just for flying, but a doctor should at least listen to your concerns and offer alternatives. And there is basically nothing wrong with giving you one tablet of something to take the edge off for each flight.

 

[Mary2e]

Find another doctor. I get the sense this one may have had an issue in the past prescribing narcotic pain killers and now won't do it.

I know my doctor has a sign saying she won't write oxycodone prescriptions - for any reason.

You're only asking for anti-anxiety meds. That should not be a big deal.

 

[alc571]

I've suffered with generalized anxiety disorder for 15 years. I've tried every kind of med out there. The only one that works for me was prescribed by a psychologist. It's clonazepam. Which is actually an anti-seizure drug used for epileptics. It's also one of those drugs you see people addicted to on those A&E shows, so not to be taken lightly. I only take .25 mgs before a stressful situation. And it just brings me back to normal, not sleepy or groggy like Benedryl.

I'd find another doctor to see you. There's no need to suffer when there are meds to help. The other thing you might want to try is a natural health store. There may be something that could help you.

 

[bdklein]

Hello all! My boyfriend and I are happily leaving for WDW next Tuesday... But I suppose it isn't as happy of an occasion as it should be. Not yet anyway. I developed a terrible case of flying anxiety the last two times I've been on a plane: sobbing, gasping, shaking, feelings of impending doom, all that jazz. I asked my doctor to help with some sort of prescription but she responds to me as if I'm some type of junkie looking to get high (I don't even drink), so she has been no help and the source of even more stress (aren't doctors supposed to help people?)

So my question is this, has anyone ever taken a low dose of Benedryl to help with anxiety, and does it actually help? My (second) biggest fear is that I'll be passed out when we land at 10am and not want to go enjoy myself! So does a low dose make you calm but not exhausted/sleepy/groggy? Thank you!

It's time to start!!! Good luck

 

[pigletto]

Get another doctor. She clearly has no sympathy or knowledge of how bad this can be. The ONLY way I can fly now is with a prescription. I went to my doctor having done my own research, explained I knew this class of drugs could be addictive and that I don't want them for any other situation but flying. We have a standing agreement when I fly 2 to 3 times a year. I just have to call and she calls the prescription in to the pharmacy for me. 8 pills each time. They are low dose.. .5 mg. I take one the afternoon before a flight, one before bed, one before the flight and one during. They relax me but do not knock me out or make me incapable of having a conversation or handling myself and my kids in an emergency. I then have the same routine for the way home and I'm done with them for the next 6 months.

Panic disorder, and anxiety related disorders are a REAL thing. Trust me.. if I had a panic attack on a flight I would hyperventilate, there would be a scene that would absolutely humiliate me and concern other passengers I am sure.
It's not something I can just will away... I have tried. Breathing works for me in every other circumstance.. not this one.

I do think benadryl will help. Maybe have one a day or two before and see how you feel? So you can anticipate the feelings. Then start with a lot of positive self talk and remember to breathe deeply to not get to your "fight or flight" place.

I totally agree with Goofy4tinks suggestions as well. Even with my meds, I keep my eyes on the faces of the flight attendants. If they are calm I can be too

Have you picked your seat? I pay extra to sit where I am comfortable. For me that is the front of the plane on an aisle. The perceived space and ability to leave quickly when we land puts my mind at ease. It's a mental trick but it helps.

Good Luck to you. I understand and you WILL be ok.

ETA.. I just read a few more of your responses. I too am not afraid of flying.. it's claustrophobia. Sit on the aisle. As people are boarding, look down. As you look down visualize wide open spaces in your head. Picture the freedom to move about. It helps. Have games you love, your laptop loaded with a movie, music you like.. any peaceful distraction.