I haven't flown since before Covid. Not really related to the epidemic, I just happened to have a bad experience before then and have panic attacks when I've tried since. Decided not flying the rest of my life isn't really an option so gonna talk to the doc tomorrow about potential meds I can take just for flying. Has anyone taken something for this and have recommendations for what did or did not work? I have been prescribed propranolol before but it didn't do anything for me. Maybe the dose was too low but my physical symptoms are more gastrointestinal in nature so the racing heart is the least of my concerns. I also took an SSRI for a few years but I don't want to be on them for forever when my issue is just something I may have to do at most a couple times a year.

If propranolol didn't work, you'll need a benzodiazepine.

Clonazepam and Imodium, you'll be good

Valium and load dose 2 Imodium.

propranolol or clonazepam are not bad suggestions. On an airplane is about the only time I recommend immodium to people.

Book tickets on the largest plane you can. Seriously.

My doc prescribed me Xanax for flight anxiety several years ago. It worked well but it took its time wearing off and that caused its own issues. I ended up focusing on distracting my brain as much as possible during take off and no longer feel the need to take anything.

If you do get a script try having it on you just in case but try to not take it. I know that seems weird but it helped me to be less nervous knowing that I had something that could settle me down which made it easier to stay cslm.

My wife used to take Xanax with mixed results, she takes Klonopin now and prefers it.

Doc recommended I try hydroxyzine first. Anyone tried it? Sounds like a more potent Benadryl so I'm not entirely sure how that helps with anxiety. Maybe just makes you too drowsy to care?

That's correct, it is exactly like a more potent benadryl. It helps with both anxiety and restlessness by making you drowsy. It's also preferred by some docs (prescribing habits) because it's not a controlled substance like benzos are.

MaxPower said:

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Doc recommended I try hydroxyzine first. Anyone tried it? Sounds like a more potent Benadryl so I'm not entirely sure how that helps with anxiety. Maybe just makes you too drowsy to care?

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I tried it and it didn't do anything at all.

Marauder Blue 6 said:

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Indica gummies

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Do NOT take that on the plane so the drug dog doesn't find it.

Some states have legal and the feds do not and they run the airport security.

MaxPower said:

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Doc recommended I try hydroxyzine first. Anyone tried it? Sounds like a more potent Benadryl so I'm not entirely sure how that helps with anxiety. Maybe just makes you too drowsy to care?

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rjhtamu is spot-on. In my experience, most physicians, or at least most psychiatrists, try to avoid prescribing benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety or situational anxiety that occurs regularly. However, specific phobias like this are among the few situations in which I prescribe them, provided the patient does not have a history of addiction, heavy alcohol use, or opioid use (among other considerations). Hydroxyzine is one of the more common medications I prescribe on an as-needed basis for anxiety, so it is a reasonable option to try first.

Marauder Blue 6 said:

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Indica gummies

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100% on this. Take it as you are walking into the airport.

The other day I was flying out of San Antonio. We get there in plenty of time. Security line was backed up through the airport, outside and down the length of the airport. Normally would have caused a lot of mental issues for me. I didn't care. It was out of my hands. Either I made my flight or I didn't.

Return trip, luckily I was in a state that has legalized THC. Bought some for the trip home. Same thing. Not a care in the world. Completely functional and relaxed.

Hoosegow said:

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Marauder Blue 6 said:

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Indica gummies

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100% on this. Take it as you are walking into the airport.

The other day I was flying out of San Antonio. We get there in plenty of time. Security line was backed up through the airport, outside and down the length of the airport. Normally would have caused a lot of mental issues for me. I didn't care. It was out of my hands. Either I made my flight or I didn't.

Return trip, luckily I was in a state that has legalized THC. Bought some for the trip home. Same thing. Not a care in the world. Completely functional and relaxed.

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What time/day did you fly out of SA? I've only had a TSA line > 10 mins 1 time.

dubi said:

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Marauder Blue 6 said:

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Indica gummies

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Do NOT take that on the plane so the drug dog doesn't find it.

Some states have legal and the feds do not and they run the airport security.

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Who is taking gummies on the plane, now? You'd be halfway to most places by the time it took effect.

Toss the stash in your checked bag and have one on your person or in a carry on to take before you hit the line for security. Wont kick in until you are on the jet bridge or later. After that, who cares? Queue up Jack Black and Paul Rudd's latest Anaconda and pretend it was a decent movie. Or go to sleep, who cares?

Either way, be kind to the flight attendant's and enjoy your "flight".

July 3rd. 7 ish in the morning.

Dad said:

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If you do get a script try having it on you just in case but try to not take it. I know that seems weird but it helped me to be less nervous knowing that I had something that could settle me down which made it easier to stay cslm.

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I kinda do the same thing with the airsick bag. I've never once needed it (thank goodness), but checking to make sure it's there in front of me helps me calm down for some reason if I'm feeling nauseous.

I would spend some time learning about flying . There's a YouTube guy captain steeeve that does education on flight issues.

If you spend some time on there and then take propranolol and benzos you will likely do better than just drugs alone.

For a prolonged situation that terrifies you, you would darn near need to be sedated to not get anxious.

Just my $0.02

I struggle with that too. I hate it. I have a history of bad anxiety and panic attacks (usually 1 per year or 2) so I'm always afraid of one while flying.

I used to take Xanax but now I chug a whole bunch of chamomile tea. Practice meditation. I listen to chill music while doing word finds until my brain is completely bored. Movies, tv shows, video games. Whatever it takes to keep my mind fixated on something other than the actual flight.

Someone else mentioned this above but clonazepam certainly does the trick, you'd need a prescription.

I prefer to just take a half of a standard 0.5 mg dose before flying, that usually does the trick and limits any tiredness later.