I'm afraid to fly - medicine to make flying easier?

[snowbunny]

Maybe a xanex and a glass of wine?

Not a good idea at all....xanax + alcohol increases the possbility of an overdose.

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Medicine/medicine.htm

 

[Princess-Less]

Also highly recommending the 'taking flight' website!!!! After reading through the pilot reports and the forum, I am much more relaxed about the process of flight and what is normal, "knowlege is power" as the person who runs the forum says. I feel your pain re: the irrational fear of flying... I have not flown in about 9 years...we always drove to Disney as kids from MA, took the train once I think; have driven with our own kids twice. Now, with 4 children, (see ages...) it is just safer and faster to fly. Got 6 cheap nonstop RT tickets on Southwest, and we're going! And....got a prescription from MD for Ativan (similar to Xanax) to chase away the butterflies in the pit of my stomach on flight day. First time flying for our kids too...I just keep telling myself, "it will be an adventure!".... good luck and have a wonderful trip

 

[mmessler]

Our trip is not until November but already I'm worried about taking a plane, I think the worst will happen so I'm talking my DH into taking the Autotrain or driving. Friends have told me to get meds to calm me down to take the plane. Have you ever taken these meds? Would you please tell me how do they work for you (or not work) and how do you feel when you get off the plane - groggy?

Thank you

edit to add: I've flown about 6 times before, 3-4 times to Florida from NJ and everytime I'm a mess

A co-worker's husband was so afraid of flying that he wouldn't even go to an airport to pick up someone. Well, she finally convinced him to try it so they could take a vacation that wasn't limited to reasonable driving distance. His doctor wrote him out a script for 6 valium to take as needed. I think he took one prior to the flight out, but actually realized it wasn't as terrible as he thought, and went without on the way home. He by no means loves flying, but just isn't terrified anymore - though still not in a rush to try it again.

I have a different flight related problem, and that's severe sinus/ear problems. I've had my ears plug up so bad on take off that they don't completely clear until a couple days after landing. My doctor just suggests to me that I take a strong sudafed for several days prior to open everything up and that helps. It also makes me slightly sleepy, so hey, that might work out for you, and it's something pretty basic that most likely won't harm the average person if taken needlessly.

 

[maelstrom]

I told my doctor that I was having anxiety about an upcoming flight, he laughed at me and told me to suck it up!!

Totally unacceptable. Find a new doctor or ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.

I wish I had a doctor to get a xanax script from, but I just turned 21 so I can't go to the pediatrician anymore, and I don't have insurance (because I'm not in school so apparently my life means nothing) so I didn't even bother finding a new doctor.

 

[KimAshton]

I have to tell you I use to be deathly afraid of flying now I am fine. Might have to do with that I am flying at least 2 times a year now.

((HUGS))

I would definitely talk to you dr. He/She can probably prescribe something.

 

[nordkin]

this is such a timely thread for us! i just got back from the doctor yesterday with a xanax prescription for my dd14 (130 lbs) for an upcoming trip. he recommended 2 xanax pills (.25 mg) plus 1 dramamine a half hour before we fly. she's not outwardly anxious about flying, but always throws up on board, multiple times i might add, you know--people from neighboring rows handing us their bags once ours have all been filled, etc.--even though she can ride all the wild rides at wdw with no queasiness at all. we "non-doctors" think it must be fear rather than motion sickness, and given his prescription, the real doctor must agree. of course, she insists it's not in her head....

he said i should also take a bottle of "emetrol" with me in case she's still queasy on board. i was just checking around this board to see if i can carry that over-the-counter liquid medicine with me on board. i don't think OTC medicines are restricted, right?

after reading one of the previous posts, i'm now wondering if i should only give her one xanax. the dramamine will make her drowsy, too. but our flight is at 8:00 p.m., so it won't be so bad if it stays in her system for that long--as long as we can get her to the car once we land!

anyone have any advice for us?

Please talk to a pharmacist about the drug interactions. Doctors always know abou that. I would also have her take a Xanax prior to the trip to see how she reacts, everyone is dfferent.

I am very sensitive to Xanax and one quarter the minimum dose knocks me out, and I take it for panic disorder.

 

[areno79]

I have a different flight related problem, and that's severe sinus/ear problems. I've had my ears plug up so bad on take off that they don't completely clear until a couple days after landing. My doctor just suggests to me that I take a strong sudafed for several days prior to open everything up and that helps. It also makes me slightly sleepy, so hey, that might work out for you, and it's something pretty basic that most likely won't harm the average person if taken needlessly.

My husband has the same problem, last year when he went to Ft. Myers for work he was in excruciating pain the whole flight. He almost cancelled our upcoming vacation because of it, but I've talked him into trying it again. I talked to my doctor, and he said the same thing-take some Sudafed before the flight, and that'll help with the pressure. I hope it works, or DH will never get on a plane again!

 

[Blondie]

I told my doctor that I was having anxiety about an upcoming flight, he laughed at me and told me to suck it up!!

Time to find a new doctor!

Xanax seems to be the most prescribed med for fear of flying anxiety. I have a script myself and it does work quite well. I like the fact that in about 2-3 hours, the meds are out of my system, or at least it feels like they are.

For first time users, I recommend a test dose at home to see how you'll react. If one pill seems too strong, you can always break it in half.