When should I take my anxiety medication before 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.
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Deep breathing is known to trigger a comfort response and will help prevent hyperventilation. Reading a book or listening to a good podcast can refocus your mind and attention. Distracting yourself from the fact that you are flying can be a great way to keep calm if you're a nervous flyer..
While Xanax may be useful for flying on an airplane, it will not help you with your anxiety. It may help in the moment but you will not tackle your fear of flying if you are asleep the whole flight. If you ran out of your medication or left it at home, the anxiety will still exist if you go on an airplane again.
Medications for flight anxiety, like SSRIs and SNRIs, can help manage symptoms in addition to other treatments, like exposure therapy and CBT. Some medications can also help you with upsetting and sudden symptoms, including episodes of panic. It's best to talk with a doctor about your options for flight anxiety.
Pharmacological treatmentMedication 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).
If you have a fear of flying, traveling by plane can be very upsetting. If you fly regularly, you may find talk therapy and antidepressant medications useful. Flight anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines, might also help with immediate symptoms.
If you're scared to fly, like yours truly, then you've probably dealt with some degree of anticipatory anxiety. And remember: pre-flight anxiety is normal. Our minds sometimes go off in wild and scary directions without us having any control over our thoughts.
“Being well-prepared can help reduce anxiety,” Rinaldi says. “For example, ensure you have all necessary travel documents, pack your bags early, and double-check your flight details. Make sure to arrive early, and give yourself plenty of time at the airport to avoid rushing and feeling overwhelmed.”
Xanax, a member of the same pharmaceutical family (benzodiazepines) as diazepam, is a strong one. Take it about two to three hours before you fly, and do not mix it with alcohol. There is a risk of dependency, though, with these benzodiazepines, but only if you are taking them more than once a week.
Anti-anxiety medication (usually an SSRI or an SRNI) is helpful to some people who experience panic while flying, but they must be willing to take the drugs every day for a prolonged period of time.
These include any hormone-based drugs, like the contraceptive pill and some fertility medicines, and drugs used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.
Diazepam is a sedative. This means, the medication makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there would be an emergency during the flight, this could impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions, or react to the situation. This could seriously affect the safety of you and the people around you.
One of the best ways to overcome your fear is by talking to someone with experience flying. They can help you understand how an airplane works and what to expect during a flight. Once you understand what goes into flying a plane, you will be less likely to feel anxious about it.
Understanding TriggersAnd someone who fears heights might become terrified thinking about flying many miles above the ground. The list of triggers is long: turbulence, take-off, landings, terrorism, crashes, social anxieties, or being too far from home.