Do planes have headache medicine?

Treating an Airplane Headache or In-Flight Migraine Attack Doctors advise that an airplane headache is best treated with either a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or a triptan that you've packed in your carry-on bag. Obviously, airlines don't stock them.



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The headache causes a stabbing or jabbing pain that starts suddenly usually on one side of the head. It mainly affects the area of the forehead above the eye. Within minutes of the plane touching the ground, the headache usually goes away.

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In addition to the obvious connection with air travel, they are generally associated with landing, tend to be very painful and throbbing, are usually unilateral, and often resolve after approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

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The frequencies of AH-attacks are relatively high; 42 flight passengers experience AH in every flight travels and 39 flight passengers experience AH in more than 50% of the flight travels [4–6, 12, 19, 21, 27, 39, 40].

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Travel Tips for People Who Get Migraines
  1. Stay hydrated.
  2. Stick to your sleep schedule.
  3. Keep calm and carry on.
  4. Don't overdo it in the sun.
  5. Eat right.
  6. Take care of your medications.
  7. Talk to your doctor if you'll be flying.
  8. Watch out for surprise triggers.


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3. Take your medication at least an hour before your flight. If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.

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All migraines are disqualifying and require FAA clearance. However, many of these migraines can be cleared by your AME if specific criteria outlined in the CACI are met. For the remainder, a special issuance is frequently possible after appropriate medical management.

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Prevention
  1. Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. ...
  2. Use the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent. ...
  3. Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings. ...
  4. Reconsider travel plans. ...
  5. Use an over-the-counter nasal spray. ...
  6. Use decongestant pills cautiously. ...
  7. Take allergy medication. ...
  8. Try filtered earplugs.


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They include:
  • Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).
  • Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).


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People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.

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These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

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The culprit is a compromised immune response due to the bodily impacts of flying. The increased exposure to pathogens + a weakened immune system = your body unable to fight off infections. Your immune system is suppressed when you fly due to the very nature of being on an aircraft.

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Feeling unwell directly after a flight is often the cause of low humidity. Planes have a different atmospheric pressure than we are used to, which can cause the nasal passages to dry, leading to symptoms resembling flu.

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Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache.

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