Flying with Xanax?

[ncbyrne]

I want to get a prescription from the dr. for Xanax for my upcoming flight to WDW. I'm sooo nervous when I fly and know this will help. But, I will have to get right in a rental car and drive away from MCO....do I need to be concerned that I will be too groggy to drive? If you take Xanax when you fly, what strength to do take?

 

[dtuleya]

From what I understand, you have to take that for sometime before it becomes effective (several weeks). Those drugs can make you sleepy. Why not listen to some soothing music before flying and during???? If they haven't banned CD players. These are questions to ask your doctor, not people on a chat board whose medical needs might differ from yours.

 

[Erin12303]

I took Xanax for our December 01 flights.
I have .25mg tablets and I took half before leaving home and the other half prior to boarding.
Discuss it with your MD, it may not be okay if you are currently taking other medications.
They do not require time to build up a level in your system and you should take one prior to your trip to see how they effect you.
I was fine and could function without any problems. I have more side effects from Dramamine(for motion sickness).
Good luck

 

[Mittens]

Hi,

Erin is right. Xanax, which is a member of the benzodiazepine family, does not require time to build up in your system. Very effective in dealing with anticipatory anxiety. Antidepressants, on the other hand, require time to build up in your system in order to become

therapeutic.

In terms of operating a car, there is a warning placed on the bottle to avoid driving a car or operating machinery.

Speaking for myself, I do take Ativan prior to flying in order to cope with my anxiety and have found it extremely helpful. By the time I get to my destination any sedation has typically worn off.

This is something that you should discuss with your PCP. He/She may be willing to give you a test dose so that you will know what your personal reaction will be.

Hope this helps,
Mittens

 

[nanalisa]

I've taken Xanax and it takes effect immediately. My doctor gives me 4 tablets. 2 for the way down and 2 for the way back. It may affect people differently but it doesn't make me groggy at all. I would like to try Ativan for my next flight because I think it's stronger and I won't have to drive from the airport.

 

[BuzzMe]

I usually take 1/2 or 1 xanax before flight and feel the effect almost immediately. It does not make me feel groggy or drugged, but rather takes "the edge" off. Our flight to Orlando is typically 21/2 hours long and the Xanax has pretty much worn off by the time we land. For me, it makes all the difference in the world!!