What is the best medication for anxiety to take before a flight??? I am flying for the first time, and am REALLY scared, what should I take to ease the nervousness???
2007-02-25 13:01:20 · 12 answers · asked by infantryUSMCwifey 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Talk with you physician. If truly required any of the benzodiazerine class of drugs will work. Also ask about hydroxyzine HCL (Vistril or Atarax) which are similar but but a controlled medication. Nothing personal but that's what we use to get to medicate our dogs when we flew them across country when we moved. It kept them very calm in the cargo hold.
2007-02-25 13:10:43 · answer #1 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Help for fear of airplanes
Since specific phobias generally do not involve spontaneous panic attacks, some of the treatments for panic such as panic-control therapy, interoceptive desensitization, and medication are usually not included.
Relaxation Training
Abdominal breathing and deep muscle relaxation are practiced on a regular basis to reduce symptoms of anxiety that occur both when facing the specific phobia and when experiencing worry (anticipatory anxiety) about having to deal with the phobic situation.
Cognitive Therapy
Fearful thoughts that tend to perpetuate the specific phobia are challenged and replaced. For example, “What if I panic because I feel trapped aboard an airplane?” would be replaced with more realistic and supportive thoughts such as: “While I may not be able to leave the airplane for two hours, I can move around, such as leaving my seat to go to the bathroom several times if needed. If I start to feel panicky, I have many strategies for coping that I can use, including abdominal breathing, talking to my companion, listening to a relaxing tape, or taking medication if necessary.” Coping statements such as, “I’ve handled this before and I can handle it again,” or “This is just a thought; it has no validity,” are also useful. These supportive coping statements are rehearsed until they are internalized.
Incremental Exposure
This involves gradually facing the phobic situation through a series of incremental steps. For example, fear of flying would be faced first in imagination only (imagery desensitization), then by watching planes land and take off, then boarding a grounded plane, then by taking a short flight, and, finally, a longer flight. A support person would accompany you first through all the steps, then you’d try them on your own.
2007-02-25 21:27:29 · answer #2 · answered by Angela D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you would be interested in trying something non-prescription, you could try Melatonin; available at GNC for 60 @ $5.99. It would help give you a feeling of calmness, allow you too relax and possibly nap some while you travel. It would not leave you with that tired, hazy feeling that sometimes from prescription anxiety meds + you would have less chance that the effects of taking it would alter your first- day arrival plans , if any.
2007-02-25 23:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by Kenner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are seriously concerned you'll have to visit a doc for a one time dose of Xanax. BEWARE: It doesn't wear off when you get off the plane. It takes a good 8-12 hours to get out of your system, but you'll make it through the flight.
I was in your shoes once. I bought an eye mask and music with headphones, I pointed the over head fan at my face and made it fine without meds!
Remember millions of people arrive safe at their destination every single day...
2007-02-25 21:13:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
when are you flyng? if your flying tomorrow and have a xanax take the xanax..but like they said, it will make you feel tired...if you have a day to plan....eliminate all caffeine, make sure your'e tired before the flight,drink a shot,or two, of jager/whiskey (if you drink),close your eyes and listen to your ipod....oh yea, you can take an over the counter sleep med that will help you sleep...benadryl,tylenol pm,or goody's pm....i still fill a little anxious when flying, so i feel your concern . at the same time it's a great feeling and it's much safer than driving....where are you headed? have fun...
2007-02-25 22:27:12 · answer #5 · answered by michael m 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you usually have anxiety attacks? I had them daily and was fianlly prescribed 20mg of fluoxetine a.k.a prozac. It helps but you can't drink because of intense side affects. Talk to your Doctor and maybe he could help!
2007-02-25 21:24:13 · answer #6 · answered by flippyf1200 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to stay off the meds. Start going to church and find the strength and peace that God gives us all when we lead the life He meant for us to have. We find joy and peace that surpasses all understanding when we walk with God.
2007-02-25 21:07:09 · answer #7 · answered by Jean the Bean 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In this case, benzos like ativan or xanax would be effective, but they will impair your thinking and memory and boy will you be drowsy. You are indeed best off talking to the doc about it. (I'm a benzo hater, but in this situation, they may be appropriate. They are addictive).
2007-02-25 21:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is something you need to talk to your doctor about. Only your doctor can help figure out what might be best for you.
2007-02-25 21:04:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beta-blockers to stop your heart racing.
2007-02-25 21:03:40 · answer #10 · answered by epbr123 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋