Any Xanax users?

Question

I have been prescribed two Xanax pills for an upcoming flight next week, one for the flight down and one for the flight back. I will be 5 months pregnant at the time of the flight and my doctor (after much research) has determined that a low dose of Xanax taken on a two time basis only, would be highly unlikely to cause harm to my baby at this stage of development. This drug is also likely lablelled the "class D" as a precautionary measure because there hasn't been a lot of research on it.

I've done a lot of research of pregnant women and sedatives and almost all have been prescribed Xanax for limited use over drugs like Valium and Adavan.

My question is that since I've never taken Xanax before (pre-pregnancy I took valium to fly), I'm not sure how soon I should take it before my flight and how long it lasts. My prescription is for two .5 mg pills (one for the flight down and one to fly back)

Also I'd love to hear positive stories from those who've taken it to fly.

Little Freedom: I don't think it takes a week...I only have two pills! :) I'm hoping that an hour before or so will do it but I'm looking for more insight from actual users.


Ninja: Get over yourself. Yeah, I'll go smoke a cigarette. Obviously my very professional doctors (in consultation with experts in Boston) have NO IDEA what they are talking about. You must be the expert...I should have called you first apparently.

Before you comment you should research the effects of extreme high blood pressure on a fetus during high anxiety events. You will learn very quickly that this is far more dangerous than taking ONE low-dose sedative. But wait, you're the expert so you already knew that right?

I've already mentioned this, but this isn't a drug I take or will be taking on a regular basis. It's a one time thing....please keep that it mind when answering. Thanks!

AICgoddess

I did go to your link and it's the same as to what I've found...

"Alprazolam is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details."

The key word is "potential". It has not been "shown" to cause harm.

The drug has not been tested on pregnant women because it is illegal to test on pregnant women. Also, according to my doctor, the potential harm comes with the developing fetus and I will be well past the stage of organ development and formation.

I do appreciate everyone's concern...I really do...but I feel I've made it very clear that this has been researched thoroughly and the question I am asking is not on it's safety. I would not take something that I thought would harm my baby.

I'm asking for usage directions.

Answer 1

I take a low dose as needed, (if needed) of Xanax. It takes me 40 minutes to kick in and lasts 4 to 5 hrs. I recommend breaking the pill in half and if you still feel anxious by the time you're getting ready to board, you can always take the other half.
Happy flying!

Answer 2

I would take the Xanax 30-45 minutes before your flight. You can expect the full effect of the drug to last 2-4 hours, with the calming effects lingering for up to eight hours. Your flight should be a breeze. It may even make you a little sleepy, which is nice when cramped in those tiny airline seats!! Happy flying!

Answer 3

I've taken .5's for anxiety before. I'd say it kicks in in about 20 minutes or so? but I'm not sure how long it lasts, because I usally took it before bedtime...I do think I remember being told it metabolizes fairly quickly though. honestly, I don't think the effect is strong enough to make it worth taking the chance. But that's my personal opinion. When I have taken it, it just makes me sleepy and just takes the edge off....but if I go to sleep I always have nightmares, and feel very groggy trying to wake up. Also I seem to notice that the day after I take a pill my anxeity is accually worse and I tend to feel depressed...I have never heard of anyone else complaining of this "rebound anxiety" but it has been enough of a problem for me that I don't use it anymore.
I know there are some herbal things for anxiety, but I honestly dont know that much about them. don't assume that because something is herbal it is safe. There are some breathing techniques that work for many many people, and my sugestion would be to work with a councilor on cognitive behavioral therapy or something similar. I know its probably too late for that now for the flight, but soon enough you will have a little baby to care for and if you decided to breast feed you may not want to take drug then either. If you do decide to go drugless on this flight the important thing to remeber is to breathe. pay attention to your breath...I like to try to clear my mind and count my breaths slowly, it helps me to refocus when I have a panic attack.

Answer 4

I haven't taken it to fly, but the first few times I did take it, I was either totally knocked out or so "mellow" I couldn't have worried about a thing - and I'm a BIG gal! It was the same dosage, too.

You do NOT want to taste that pill, though - take my word for it! One of the NASTIEST things I have EVER had in my mouth, and I couldn't get rid of the taste! Ick!

Good luck with flight and baby-growing :-)

Answer 5

ok, first off i do take xanax( .5 mg as well) and it does not take a week to get in ur system like someone else prev posted. I as well was given a Rx for them from my fam Dr for my very first flight from Charlotte NC to Seattle WA..a long first ever plane trip, lol. I took 1 .5mg pill about an hr b4 i got on the plane. Every thing turned out ok. What i am concerned about is the fact that ur Dr is giving u xanax and u r preg. I have a 5 mth old and my fam Dr took me off of them once i became preg and my obgyn said that xanax was a BIG NO for preg women. So i did a lil research on webmd.com and heres the link. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9824-Xanax+Oral.aspx?drugid=9824&drugname=Xanax+Oral
But for a 2x deal it my be ok..Good Luck

Answer 6

first of all...im not so sure that i would take xanax if i were pregnant. but...the choice is yours.

xanax is a fast working short term (powerful)anxiety drug. it will start to work within 10 to 15 minutes and will only last about 3 hours.
i take xanax and i would say this....bring it with you and if you really feel like you absolutely need it...start out taking only half a dose....wait 15 or 20 minutes, then decide if you need more.
best of luck! try to relax.... you will be fine on the flight.

Answer 7

I've tried Xanax in the past but it gave me horrible headaches =/

You should consult with your doctor about when the right times to take it would be.

Answer 8

What exactly makes you think that your doctor is actually up to date on the latest drug research? This sounds like completely irresponsible behavior toward your child. I would urge you to reconsider, seeing as there is no research to back this claim--as soon as you eat that pill, YOU are now part of the research. Xanax is a horrible drug. Do yourself a favor and smoke pot, or a ciagrette, instead.

Answer 9

Xanax, as far as my experience, takes time to get in your system (about a week)... I don't know about right away. Maybe it's different for each person. good luck on your flight and hopefully you'll get something that works for your nerves.