Valium for the flight

[Sandra1964Marie]

morning all. I had a CA in 2019 and it’s been a long road building up my confidence and trust again but I’m goin on holiday soon but Iam starting to get very nervous about flying. What if I take ill on plane? I’ve heard people take a Valium before flight if nervous. Would that be ok on my heart meds?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

This is a question you need to ask your GP as the answer will depend on your exact medical history and medications. Saying that I refused it when I had revision surgery with an epidural last year as when I had it previously all it did was give me a stonking headache.

I did enquire about it when I went to Australia in 2092 as I am a nervous flyer and felt 24vhours might be a bit much compared to Europe that was manageable. On the end I didn't persue it as they would have upp'd the already high travel insurance!

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for that. It’s only Europe certainly, I’ll certainly check everything.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Check with your Doctor but I take heart meds and I also take Valium as I have anxiety

They say I am ok to take it so I would imagine you will be to but check first

Hope you have a nice Holiday x

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks it’s just pure fretting I’m having about travelling . I give docs a call today and see .

[BeKind28- in reply to Sandra1964Marie]

Hello

I think how you feel is totally understandable I would be the same these irrational fears we get can be so debilitating

Let us know what the Doctors say and I hope you have a lovely Holiday x

[Seal59]

I think I read somewhere recently that doctors have stopped prescribing drugs for flights. Sorry I can’t be more useful and remember where I read it!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Seal59]

Now you mention it I recall some years ago there was some adverse publicity that drugs like Valium were a sedative and could affect a person's response in an emergency. Of course the tabloids like a bit of sensationalism and ignored the fact that someone having a couple of G&Ts before flying (like reporters) or during the flight were similarly affected. I think this publicity made GPs reluctant to prescribe!

[Stoer in reply to Seal59]

My GP practice sent a text message to all patients telling them exactly what you've said.

[Heartfairy]

Hello, I completely get where you’re coming from with the confidence about travel and potentially getting ill on the plane but when I asked my cardiologist if I was fit to fly 6 weeks after my heart attack (NSTEMI), he assured me I was at less risk of anyone else on the plane of getting any clots or having another HA due to the blood thinners and other preventative medication I am now taking. He advised me to just drink plenty water and walk around when I could. I’m pleased to say I’ve now flown long haul 2 times in less than a year and I was absolutely fine. The problem is the mind and once you tell yourself to be calm, relax and you’ll arrive at your destination safely you will manage the journey. Visualise yourself at the other end relaxing because before you know it you’ll be back home wishing you were going again! How you feel is absolutely normal but once you get the first flight done, it should give you confidence to fly again. It is nerve racking for sure but you can do it. Let us know how you get on but do try and relax the head - it can be naughty with its negative thoughts - have a fun trip 😎❤️🧚🏼‍♀️

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to Heartfairy]

thanks very much for the great replies and thoughts, it’s given me more to consider. I haven’t heard back from doctors but spoke to a pharmacist and they were reluctant to give positive answer and that doesn’t sit well either. Think I’ll maybe try go down the road of positive thinking and give the drugs a miss.

[gladliz]

You could always try Bach Rescue Remedy available from Boots and other Chemists and Supermarkets. I've been using it for years. Started when I was having driving lessons and feeling terrified. It's plant based and I think you can now get a no alcohol version.

[wischo]

Such a load of rubbish about nothing, taking a valium to assist your fears is absolutely harmless irrespective of your condition. I think the stress of flying if you have a phobia would be much more harmful. They were dishing these out in bucket loads a few short years ago and now they are reluctant to dish out one or two irrespective of the reason. Ask your GP or pharmacist if it would be okay to take a few GnTs to ease your nerves and they will show the same reluctance to answer you. We are turning into such a politically correct society its getting abnoxious.

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to wischo]

well I’ve now been away and back and in end gave doc a miss as you say they reluctantly spoke to me about it. Got to airport and had a few drinks, probably to much but it got me over the line.

Thanks