How do you ask your Dr. for Fear of Flying Meds??

[Kitty 34]

My DH has always been scared to death to fly and 9/11 added plenty to his fears. I told him about some of the prescriptions DISers have mentioned on here that might help calm his fears.

He's going to the doctor's Monday (for his physical) and I told him just to ask. Should he just say he's scared to death to fly or what??? We leave in about 3 weeks!

Thanks for any tips!!

 

[RobinMarie]

Yes, I think "I'm scared to death to fly" is pretty to the point. I know someone who goes to their doctor prior to each plane trip. Her 'thing' is being in enclosed spaces. She isn't the best conversationalist during the flight , but it gets her to the destination without unnecessary discomfort.

I would tell the doctor where the difficulty is - before, during, after. Even if physicians are reluctant to prescribe mood altering drugs, they will usually dispense enough for a trip there and for one back.

I hope this helps.

 

[chell]

I just told my doctor that I thought I might need something to calm my nerves since I am terrified of flying. Before my trip I tried one just to make sure they would not make me too woozy.

 

[Kitty 34]

How woozy do you usually get with this drug?? I don't need hubby "dragging" thru the airport when we get there, if you know what I mean!!!

 

[Ted and Holly]

MY Dr. is great! Both times I have called the office and explained to the receptionist that I am flying in a couple of weeks and "I'm already having nightmares about it and I'm scared to death!" and asked for a presciption of Xanax. My Doc has been great and just called in the meds.

Xanax is good because I feel fine on it. It just makes me very relaxed and happy. I still think the same terrible thoughts, like "WHAT WAS THAT NOISE??" and "IS THE PLANE SUPPOSED TO DO THIS???" but my body didn't react with the usualy heart racing, sweating, rapid breathing, stomach trouble, etc.

I did call my mother from the PIT airport during our layover, and she asked "what was wrong with me" because I was talking MUCH slower than usual. It was the meds, though I couldn't tell myself. She said I sounded either VERY tired or VERY drugged. I was both.

You should be able to function just fine getting around the airports and such!

ENjoy your trip!
Holly

 

[Tess]

from my past experiences, gin and tonic, (light on the tonic) is helpful. Of course the DW finds it difficult to maneuver me through Chicago (or other large airports) I could be wrong but this is just my opinion . . .

 

[Kitty 34]

LOL Tess' husband!!!

That Xanax.....how long are the effects of that drug?? We'll be the the air/stopover/and in the air again for a total of 4 and a half hours.

 

[Ted and Holly]

My prescription said every 8 hours, but my situation was similar to yours with a long layover. My prescription said "Take one to two" so I took one for the first leg, and one for the second leg. It worked well!

The overall effects of one dose lasted 5-6 hours for me.

Holly

 

[redd45]

Kitty34: My DH had the same problem in 2000. He went to the doctor and explained his fear plus he couldn't do rides because of nausea. The doctor prescribed valium for him and something so he could ride the rides(motion sickness med).DH tried a dose of valium the days before we left on our trip so he could see how it would make him feel. DH used the motion sickness med while we were at wdw and for the first time could actually ride the rides. My mom used atavan in 99,she had no problem getting this when explained why she needed it.I think probably lots of people visit their doctor for fear of flying meds. Susan