I leave for spain in two weeks now and I'm worried because its a 10 hour flight, and ill be by myself because I'm meeting a study abroad group there. Longest flight I've been on was 6 hours, but that was before i got anxiety.
I'm new to this anxiety thing (only got it about a month ago), and it has gotten better but I'm thinking about taking a low-dose xanax on the plane so to avoid any anxiety, bc i know it would be horrifying being by myself on the way to a new country and on a plane. Even though my anxiety has gotten a lot better since i first got it, I'm sure the anxiety will come on the plane as I'm pretty claustrophobic even without the anxiety.
Ive never taken xanax before or any meds for that matter, so is this a good idea? i will probably get a doctors advice before but I'm truly interested in other's opinions because i don't exactly know how powerful the drug is. I could also get drunk on the plane but i don't want the hangover so I'm thinking of just bringing a xanax.
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Hiya Rose! I can totally understand how you feel. I did a 13 hour flight once before ---- when I was 10 lol. But I get that it's a concern. Now, I've never taken Xanax, but if it's something that worries you, talk to your medical provider and voice your concerns. They may be able to offer some help in that regard. Also, having one or two other tricks up your sleeve could come in handy. The obvious one is, simply, sleep lol. Most people on long distance flights use that time to catch up on much needed shuteye. If you've got a pair of noise-canceling headphones, pack em and bring em with you. It can be possibly the easiest way to pass a long flight. Another trick is to immerse yourself in music you love or in a book you enjoy. Or --- why not both? A long flight can feel like eternity, but it can be an enjoyable experience with the right tools in your toolbox Hope this helps.
Thanks for the great advice! Yea i definitely will ask my doctor. My parents have a lot of experience with medication and they seem to think a low dose of xanax one time in case I'm in complete panic will be fine. I used to sleep on planes easily but since I've had this anxiety and it came from a panic attack i had as i was laying down to sleep, now sleep is kind of a trigger for panic unfortunately. but maybe if i stay up the night before it will be easier to sleep, haha.
I hear ya! But there are other ways of keeping your mind off of anxiety while traveling. It all depends on what interests you have, how portable said interests are, and the ability to distract yourself while indulging in said interests. I'm sure there are plenty of others here who can offer some insightful tips for you to try
Yes, the key is distractions. When I need to do something OTC Benadryl works for me because it calms me before the anxiety can start. But I agree with Brian. Distractions and discuss your concerns with the doctor will help. Excited for you, you got this. Also, melatonin is an OTC sleep aid that also helps me.
We are taking these steps with you. The journey will be awesome.🦋
There is also Dramanine, for motion sickness but also will help sleep some and not feel hungover after 10 hours. And it’s over the counter and not a bento like Xanax,which I know many who’ve used it w/o problems. But being controlled substance, Dram might be better. And the good suggestions of music,book, remembering to breathe are also great tips! I’m sure you will do fine with the growing amt of great suggestions being posted! So have a great flight And trip!! 😉
Absolutely Elaine! Also one point I forgot to mention -- try to think happy thoughts about the trip! I speak from experience when I say that I would always get anxious right before a trip, especially a big trip. Being positive about the trip -- and especially the destination -- can actually work wonders to take the edge off the anxiety. I love to travel! The anonymity you have can really give you a sense of freedom. The ability to move around without worrying what people think (since they don't know you) can be very liberating!
Like Elaine said, we're here for you and we'll support you in any way we can
yes i should be excited because its a study abroad trip and I've never been to europe before! thank you so much for your encouragement, your positivity is really inspiring me to be hopeful and not worry as much.
Anytime Rose! Stay positive! Think of all the fun you're going to have I got to go to the UK when I was a kid and I thoroughly enjoyed it (well, about as well as any 10 year old tagging along with 3 grown ups can lol)
yeah I'm sure theres so much green there! i bet its so pretty! Spain apparently doesn't have too much nature like trees and stuff, or at least compared to where i live now in Georgia where theres trees everywhere, so ill miss that but theres a beach near where ill be staying so that should be relaxing in itself!
Youve got some great advice here. I take 0.25 of Alpraolam/zanax and its very gentle just makes your anxiety slip away unnoticed. I only use them when I have to. They are notblong lasting like diazapam, ativan etc. Do not have a drink with them as someone said. Dangerous. Try a half one day before you go and see of they are for you. You could take 2 in your pocket on the plane just as a safety net! That always works. Spain is lovely and yes, we have nature and thousands of trees!!!! Its much greener this year as we have had so.much rain. You will love the sights and sounds and the smells and the culture and the people who are always ready for a laugh. Its a lovely country not to be missed. Grab these opportunities with both hands because we only live once and make the most of every minute!!! Enjoy yourself, girl!!
Thank you so much! I am actually fluent in Spanish too so hopefully this will help me get my accent better. Excited to hopefully meet a nice man too, haha! And yay excited about the nature and trees! Nature always calms my anxiety. Have you been to Valencia? that is where i will be
You need a doctor's prescription to get Xanax. Personally, I think the better one is Ativan. That is the brand name. There is also a generic version. You would need a prescription for that too. In a low, occasional dose when you are under unusual stress they can be very helpful.
Okay! My dad has some xanax, some really low dose ones, he was just gonna give me one to take just in case. but he thinks they might be old so we'll have to check if they expire first.
I took liquid Xanax a couple times after I got into a car accident last year. My friend that I was with when the accident happened gave me some and it really helped me calm down.
First off congratulations on doing this! I applaud you, now take your bow! There wouldn't be enough xanax in the world for me to do what you're about to do! I am so very proud of you!!! Love & Hugs!!! XXX
Thank you!!! yea i planned this whole two month study abroad thing a month before i had my anxiety attack, so i wasn't expecting it. i was going to back out of my trip but I've decided to just push through it and hope for the best.
Hi! I am traveling abroad very soon as well. I have been prescribed Xanax for a couple years now and I recommend it especially for just being in airports. I try my best to only take my Xanax when I really need it but it's also important to take it before your anxiety gets really bad because it can take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. I wish you the best luck on your trip!
Thank you! Also, since I've never taken xanax before, what would my first time with it look like? I am worried about side effects, or feeling paranoid. If it makes me sleepy thats fine but i don't want to feel like drunk or out of it.
Thousands of miles in the sky s not a good place to "try" a med. Talk to your MD now; maybe you are actually in need of it currently as part of your treatment now that would carryover into your flight.
The reason i say this is it helps and I have terrible anxiety. Please try to stay as calm as you can. We love to make the anxiety worse.
So If i run out of my meds i get xanax. They are addicting . But way worse. The half life is short. As well as you need one in 3 or 4 hrs again. You also forget stuff. CLONOPIN IS LASTS LONGER, YOU FEEL BETTER. I PROMISE IT WILL BE BETTER
All benzos are addicting, or at least tolerance for long term use. Clonopin in someone not having seemed to use any benzos, I think good old Dramamine, over the counter, if needed as last resort should do well for Rose. I took a flight with 2 friends and I was just right,dozed a little but my 2 friends slept the whole flight, yeah for me, lol...but when we arrived they had no hangover like effects and it wasn’t nearly as long as your flight Rose so you should sleep well and be ready to go except maybe jet lag but should feel fine. Just traveled from US to Europe many many times,to Africa too and even with some anxiety I went over the counter and others did too and no bad experience for anyone. Safer than Rx meds but even that low Xanax if you don’t use regularly shouldn’t bother you a bit,even if a bit expired,and a couple in your pocket for feeling extra sure or prepared even if you don’t use until the return might help knowing they are there....just enjoy as much as possible, such a great experience, I’m excited thinking about what you’ll see,experience,and memories for a lifetime. Just watch for pickpockets, I lived in France and they pull schemes all over - like someone falling,you go to help and another is going thru your purse etc. happens all too often so just watch for people on public transport areas,try not to let anyone you’ve noticed get behind you on their metro etc or keep your purse in front of you!! I personally loved spotting them thinking I was an easy target,let them behind me,feel the pull on the zipper and turn and let them have it, they couldn’t get thru the crowded train further or faster from me...funny memories,but never a victim!! So be aware even in a group it’s easy to not focus always on who’s around you,purse in front,zipper more to the left harder to reach and not be obvious! My safety tip from many thieves in many countries tried but never won. Even body slammed a guy with 4 others trying to divert a group of us,but dude never left from behind me no matter how I moved so he deserved it and had it 1/4 unzipped so big slam for him before he ran! That’s all,the rest you fully enjoy. M
Thank you so much for the great advice. I have been alerted of the pickpocketing and am excited to have fun tricking them as well like you did - should be fun putting them in their place. I think I will try a low dose clonopin, i see a lot of people recommending that more than xanax. Do you think it is something i really have to ask my doctor about though? my mom has a prescription, and i have never had any health issues i am perfectly healthy (other than this occasional anxiety), so i really don't feel like making a whole appointment is too necessary especially if I'm taking a low dose.
Rose we are not your dr. I know u know. All i was saying is if she does get put on a benzo, then i believe clonopin. I swear by them and mediation. and then you're saying over-the-counter meds but shez don't know what that is she probably never took that either she needs to just go to the doctor see a psychiatrist that's the best thing he'll start you the right way or she in the lowest amount of those first that's what I recommend. What color are the xanax. I was gnna see miligram . I hope u are doimg ok .and maaslider GOOD ADVICE
I love Xanax, it’s been a life saver. It just relaxes the shit out of you. Side effects are you might feel sleepy, but you can take small dosages that are right for you. Yeah talk to your doctor, but honestly it’s just the definition of a “chill” pill.
Hello, some weird answers you got up there! Okay so I have been on most benzodiazepines since I got diagnosed 9 years ago, here is my advice if you are planning to take a Xanax try it first a day here before trying it on the flight just to know how your body responds to it; most people in the early months it just knocks them to sleep; others don’t fall asleep just drowsy, VERY FEW people the xanax knocks them out completely. I used to take it on flights and sleep the flight off. Again it’s in my opinion better to consult a doctor and have a brand new prescription for Xanax instead of just taking your dad’s. Hope this was helpful.
Yes its worth taking alprazolam/zanax because i take 0.25, the lowest dose, when i needcit and your anxiety just melts away unnoticed. Spain is beautiful and yes, we have thousands of trees and hills and nature and stuff. You will not be disappointed, you will be charmed with all the new sights and sounds and smells and thevlovely happy spanish people who like to laugh and joke! Go for it girl, grab this opportunity with both hands as we only live once!!! Enjoy every minute!!! Hugs!
I haven’t taken Xanax but I do take Ativan. I would take one before the trip and see how it affects you, so that you know before that day. Everyone is different, so someone else’s experience may not be what yours will be. Good luck.
Gosh, I checked the date of that email was 2 years ago. For months now I haven’t been on any thing. The last doctor I had seems to have been annoyed that I wouldn’t take the medication he prescribed. It had too many side effects and was addictive. So he refused to prescribe me anything. So I have a new psychiatrist I’ll be speaking to come November 12. My counselor said he was a good guy? We’ll see? What are You taking? 😷🙏
yeaaa i tired before its okay if u take a half pill it makes you calm
yeah its fine if u take a half pill it makes you calm
Well, a little harsh without context or explanation. Need an awful lot of both for something that drastic,being a Neuro RN. And you may have heard or know someone,but I’m thinking if that’s your reason for the comment there must have been other circumstances involved. You posted in good faith so I’m not trying to argue or belittle your statement ..just had to elaborate a bit as that is an odd,very rare and more to it than a low dose Xanax and even a sip of wine unless you don’t drink wine - in any event without context that can really upset our friend or anyone with no medical rationale to explain that statement. Again,not intended to offend or start a hostile situation, please don’t take it as that and only at face value from my humble statement meant in good faith. Thanks, M
International flights include alcohol for good reason. If you haven't taken a xanax before, take it nice and easy, because that's what it's all about. I'm a 160 lbs and take half of a xanax with excellent effect. If I were you, I'd break off a half-a-xanax 30 mins before boarding. Then, get yourself a glass (cup) of wine when they start beverage service.
I have a prescription for Xanax and take it as needed; however, it is potentially addictive so I ONLY take it if needed. One other thing about this medication is it knocks me out. Pros and cons, but most of the time I'm able to just sleep it off at home which helps tremendously. While I do understand the potential anxiety of your situation, I would highly recommend going with something like Melatonin since this may not be something you're doing a lot and Melatonin is something your body makes anyway that could relax you. Trying this before you go will also let you know how your body will respond since everyone is different. I know some people that Benedryl makes them wide awake and sometimes hyperactive. Obviously, you'll get what you need, but my advice is to talk to your doctor and not anticipate anxiety that may or may not occur (I'm bad about that sometimes). If you do get Xanax, please be careful with it and only use it when you really need it.
I take Ativan every time I fly. It is similiar to Xanax. Makes a big difference. Also bring noise cancelling headphones and have some relaxing music on your phone.
hi - i am not a fan of pills (i barely take advil) but i am even LESS of a fan of flying. claustrophobia + flying = NO GOOD. so i take a 1/2 .25 xanax before flying.. and it s just enough to take the edge off ... then.. usually I'm sooo excited to be wherever i am that i don't even think about flying again till return flight .. and then i have the other half. hahah lol
but only before those uber-long-anxiety-over-flowing flights...
good luck and enjoy - sounds like awesome opportunity
how long does this pill last? my flight is 10 hours. So I'm scared that if i take it at the beginning of the flight, doze off for a couple of hours-- will i wake up with more anxiety than before or does the xanax have a time released response? i don't like pills either but sometimes supplements don't always work so i want to have something just in case.
i know it s different for every person.??... but if you take it as rarely as i do.. it keeps me level all day and usually helps me sleep that night.. for me the effects linger for a while.. i usually get to the airport and start the process and end up taking it as soon as i had enough of my anxiety.. sometimes it was in security line.. sometimes it was already into the flight and i dodge a panic attack .. never know hope we're all helping
I take Xanax 0.5 and it’s very gentle it just relaxes you and takes away the anxiety. It’s wonderful for a plane ride also ask your Dr what they think. Have a great trip!!!
Geez, why can’t anyone just fly without all these crutches or reasons to get drugs? It’s illegal to take others prescriptions, which usually is a non issue unless something happens and there’s a reaction needing medical attention and then the giver and taker can be answering questions! I’ve been an RN for many years, I’ve seen a lot of weird things and consequences. If it’s just for a flight, I doubt a shrink will Rx benzos unless you fabricate a story about anxiety about going to a foreign country which then she might advise not to go. All this “help” I don’t think is helpful to someone who doesn’t take/need benzos for daily life. Rose, you Can make it thru this flight just fine, there’s movies,your own movies,music,food,after takeoff and landing it’s just boring and you’ll probably fall asleep from boredom at least for part and then it’s half over! I’m sure if you can be strong enough to - is it to study a semester in Spain? And handle the new language,customs,how to travel and get the right metro cards and busses,whareters. And spend all this time with people you never met? Where will you live? You can handle all that foreign country trials and tribulations, you can certainly handle the not that long flight to get there! I have faith in you that you can without all this undue worry about what drug to take that you never needed or taken to get thru anything so far in life! Your stronger and better than worrying about all this benzo stuff when you will be just fine without it! Believe in your ability to do something, handle a situation a tiny bit uncomfortable without a pill each time you feel that way. You’ll think of using it as an excuse for every uncomfortable or uncertain situation in life and that’s just not necessary. Do yourself a favor and feel like you handled it yourself when you exit that plane in Spain. And you’ll handle much more difficult things by relying on your own strengths and capabilities and not some stupid pill that you don’t need. Please think about this, I didn’t write all this for my amusement, I wrote it to you because it is something you can do without all this angst about one or two pills. Decide to do it with your courage and desire to go on this beautiful trip! It’s completely in your control not in a pill to control you. I truly hope you do, and if not Dramamine is sold in every airport. It’s not a controlled substance and is for motion sickness but does cause some drowsiness. It’s legal and given to children so it pretty safe. But you don’t need it either if you’re not sick. I hope you take this in the well meaning,helpful,encouraging way I meant it to be! I do believe you don’t need anything but your own resourcefulness to do this one small first step of an entire fun journey! K,nuff said by me. Caring RN signing off for now! M
Thank you so much for this message, i really needed to hear it. You're right, I've gotten through all my anxiety so far without meds and just with natural supplements, tea etc. i know i can do it, plus a panic attack can't kill me anyways. I might look into the dramamine just to take with me just in case, but i don't really get motion sick so melatonin or benadryl might be better (i have bad allergies now anyways). thanks again <3
Take the xanax imo .Some r overreaching here imo.Its made for situations like this..The first time I took it I took a nap..I got tired and relaxed only. I have taken it for years myself due to extreme anxiety but wish the last time I flew I had one back then.I tried the Dramamine but still had anxiety. Have fun and safe and happy travels!
Good for you Rose! Don’t start using pills for every scary event, which flying isn’t my favorite thing either. But you learn about your abilities, strengths,character which can only bring good things to you on this new adventure! You’re completely capable of handling your stress and I hope you don’t fall into using a benzo because it easily will be a pattern and I’d hate that for you! Millions fly everyday, you will have a great,possibly a bit boring for a bit,flight! And have done it on your terms and belief in yourself! Bon courage or good luck and make millions of memories on this trip!! Be well, take care! M
That's great advise....if only I could do it. I have suffered with severe panic on and off for over 30 yrs.....not anxiety, but panic attacks. Unfortunately, I tried the no med route for years while seeing a therapist and got nowhere. I finally caved in to meds many of which didn't work for me. Here I am again with severe disabling panic! Rose, I agree if it's regular anxiety, you will be able to do it. Have fun and enjoy!
I have been taking that for about 30 years according to prescription however these are not towards meant to take that long I don't know what the doctor gave you or the prescription milligram but I would say do not do that bring something to do to keep your mind occupied even if it's A coloring book but do you anything but that, it's highly addictive and there's only really meant to use for a short time and you are right, you don't know how it will affect you and to be on a plane for 10 hours and have a reaction you don't like is not a good idea. I would Bring chamomile tea
I take Xanax each time I fly, usually 1mg, 30 minutes before boarding.
I travel for work frequently but I'm a very fearful flyer and the Xanax greatly takes the edge off. It makes me feel calm, so I can sit and enjoy the flight. No woozy or drowsy feelings. I got them from weightlossproducts.club ...no prescription required
Yes, I have taken Xanax many times. It definitely helped me. As a matter of fact, my doctor just prescribed it again to take when I drive since my panic has been off the wall and have not been able to drive. Trying to find someone trust worthy to hire to come to my doc's appointment. I have other help issues and have lots of appointments. I am seeking out to people I know but no luck so far.
Just check with you doctor first as he might want you to try it before you go on your trip.
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