What can I take for fear of flying?

Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).



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Flight anxiety medication
  • fluvoxamine (Faverin)
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)


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Take a melatonin pill. That's the hormone that our bodies use to put us to sleep naturally. Pop the pill a few hours before the flight.

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If Benadryl® is the only medicine you find that can provide relief for your cold, allergy, or sleep symptoms and you feel you cannot give it up, you should wait at least five (5) half-lives before getting in the cockpit. Benadryl's® half-life is quite long, up to 10 hours.

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Intended use: Most over-the-counter medications that you might take for anxiety, such as antihistamines, while approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe, have not been approved for alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

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OTC alternatives
  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): 5-HTP is a supplement that helps increase serotonin levels. ...
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are taken off-label to address short-term sleep problems in people with anxiety.


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People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights. Prescribing these drugs is not recommended any more for these reasons: The Grange Practice does NOT prescript sedatives for fear of flying.

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She told the group what worried her. “I am afraid of dying.” Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is an anxiety disorder.

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Preparing for anxiety before your flight
  1. Don't drink coffee on the day of the flight.
  2. Wear compression socks.
  3. Get cosy.
  4. Get a good neck pillow.
  5. Bring earplugs and an eye mask.
  6. Do some research about your particular flight anxiety.
  7. Choose a good seat.
  8. Watch calm movies.


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