Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I used to love to travel. I flew everywhere and it never bothered me.

Suddenly I have become fearful of airplanes. The last time I flew I nearly had a full on panic attack - shaking, almost vomiting, near tears, hyperventilating.

I have to fly to Orlando for work next week. It's a relatively short flight but I'm already feeling really anxious about it. I get very panicky when I think about it.

The doctor prescribed me Xanax. I don't know that I really want to take it. I have heard that it often doesn't really help anxiety but can prevent full on panic (thus preventing me from getting thrown off the plane).

So - does anyone have an flight anxiety? Do you have any tips or tricks to help me deal?

Does anyone have any experience with Xanax? Did if have any side effects or long term effects? Did it help?

Thanks!

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I definitely have flight anxiety(full on panic attacks where I want to get off of the plane)!

I do take Xanax it helps. I take it about 15 min before I board the plane and it takes the edge off. I would reccomend it. I find that I can relax and even snooze a little on the plane. Feel free to FM if you have any questions.


ETA: I have been taking Xanax for years while flying I have had no long term effects.

HTH

Message edited 7/8/2010 4:50:25 PM.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

i have taken it before, not while flying but I know a good..say 5 people who use it to fly and swear by it

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

totally sympathize..
i find having a drink or two before getting on the plane helps me immensely, but i realize that's not a solution for everyone.

If the dr gave you a prescription for Xanax, i'd try taking one before you actually get on the plane - like a few days beforehand - so you know how you'll react to it.
Someone once gave me xanax before a flight and i didn't want to take it since i had no idea how i'd react to it and didn't want to make my panic even worse.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

DW figured out that 2 Dramamine and a Valum work perfect for flying... she woke up when we were landing and asked if we left yet! it was her and my best flight ever!

Message edited 7/8/2010 4:54:31 PM.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

my mom has a severe fear of flying. My dad used to work at American Airlines and she said that she would fly only b/c it was cheap. He was laid off in 1979 and she did not fly again until 2005 - which built the fear even bigger.

my MIL gave my mom a few xanax to help her. My mom decided to test a half two nights before and she woke up completely out of it. She had a hair appointment and my dad said it was like she was drunk, knocking into walls and he drove her to the appoint, b/c she was in no shape to drive.

So definitely test the xanax before the plane. Instead she takes a benedryl/tylenol PM and tries to sleep off the plane ride.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

Ive been thinking about this too. You are not alone. In the past I never used to be afraid, but over the last couple of years I am veerry afraid. It doesnt help that the last few times I flew there was alot of turbulence and I was a wreck, crying horribly and praying and grabbing my seat.

I have to ask my doc about xanax etc.

I hope you are able to find a solution that works for you.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I really don't have flight anxiety; but when we flew to Europe, DH & I both split an Ambien & it knocked us both out for nearly the entire flight. (I usually can never sleep on a plane).

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

Will you be flying alone? I think taking someone with you would really help if that's possible

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I don't have flight anxiety but DH hates flying. The best way he manages is to bring a good book. Well that & practically crush my hand during take off & landing.

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I also have anxiety over flying! I took xanax on our flight to the Bahamas recently. It really is not that bad! My doctor told me its like drinking a few glasses of wine...it definitely helps me out.

But, I agree with the AP. Take it one time before you go, so you know if it has any side effects or not. Also, I would take it about 30 minutes before your flight. It takes a while to "kick-in".

Any questions just fm me!

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I don't really have anxiety on a plane, but ever since 9-11.....I have to introduce myself to the pilot upon boarding. Just ask the flight attendant as you're getting on. I like to look the pilot/co-pilot in the eye to feel comfortable and then I tell them my seat number and say, "I'm not afraid to stick a pen in someone's eye"

For me, it's comforting to know who's flying the plane. I have never been denied this opportunity to shake their hand. Some have even let me sit in their seat and take a picture. We usually exchange a patch/wings/pin or something when I tell them about working at WTC for so long after 9-11.


Other than that...I've heard from many friends that xanax does wonders on a flight, although I've never used one

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I never really had major issues with flying until last summer. It is awful now, though! The last flight I took, I truly felt the need to get off the plane. Huge panic set in!

We are flying again in a few weeks, and I can't even think about getting on a plane again. It stinks because this next flight is supposed to be an exciting vacation oversees, yet I don't even want to think about it. All I think about is the 9 hour flight!

Usually, I take an over the counter PM. I may actually get a prescription for something a bit stronger now... UGH.

I feel your anxiety, and I know how much it stinks!

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I can't help with the flight anxiety, but I'll share my experience with Xanax:

I took it once, before my Lasik surgery. I still mentally felt very nervous, but physiologically it calmed me - my palms were not sweaty, my heart was not racing, I was not shaking. It surprised me, because I guess I expected it to be more of a sedative? It may affect different people differently, but that's what it was like for me. I had no side effects or long term after effects at all.

Good luck!

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

I took the trip last week.

I didn't think the Xanax had any effect when I tried it before the flight.. but I really wasn't nervous at all on the plane. I can't say it would have been as good if there was turbulence.. but hey! It was good!

Re: Need Some Thoughts/Advice/Helpful Hints

DH is very anxious in general and has a severe fear of flying. He will take Xanax before a flight but we find that if he takes it AFTER he is already anxious about the flight, it doesn't work. It's like his body fights the effects, and it will kick in once we land. The last time we flew back from CA, he took about 3 throughout the course of the flight because they weren't helping. Needless to say, once we got in the car to drive home from the airport, he passed out cold!
What he finds helps is to take 1/2 a Xanax a day for the week leading up to the flight so he never gets to that crazy panicky state and then a full dose a half hour before the flight.