Question 1

is there anything similar to ativan i can take over the counter to help with anxiety due to flying? i had a prescription, but no longer have hmo and i dont want to pay the ridiculous doctors office visit to ask for a simple prescription. thank you.

Accepted Answer

OTC: Really nothing that will work like ativan.  Benadryl and Melatonin are both OTC and might help with flying but will not be as good for anxiety as the ativan or another benzodiazepam.

Question 2

i'm flying in a week, and having so much anxiety, can i start
taking ativan (lorazepam)?

Accepted Answer

Why?: It is much healthier to treat anxiety without pharmaceuticals.  Physical activity like walking or jogging,  hobbies like knitting, reading, meditating, yoga, watching a movie, cleaning the house and generally staying busy will take your mind off the upcoming trip.  You should not drive or drink alcohol when you take Ativan (lorazepam) - save it for the flight!

Question 3

what medication works the best at reducing anxiety when flying?

Accepted Answer

Fear of flying: You can see your doc for medication if you wish.  Otherwise, use the Relaxation Response.  www.relaxationresponse.org   It is a simple mind-body approach to anxiety.  Peace and good health.  Fear of flying is about not letting go of control to the pilot and crew.

Question 4

flying by myself across the country with anxiety and panic. how to calm myself?

Accepted Answer

Consider: Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy or other tx before hand. Acupuncture can help. When anxious breath in slowly ; deeply through your nostrils. Fill your lungs with air (but not to the point of discomfort).  Hold for a count of five then slowly begin to exhale through an open mouth. Repeat at least 12 times, longer if you need to.

Question 5

why do i have the constant feeling to gag the last 2 days? could it be my anxiety of flying tomorrow? it's annoying and scary if it's something more.

Accepted Answer

Yes: Fear of flying can be quite anxiety producing and may cause a gagging sensation. If you fly rarely then a low dose benzo of beta blocker may control your symptom. If you fly often then you should seek psychotherapy for a permanent fix. Short term therapy usually works well.

Question 6

i have anxiety live in ontario, got bit by a black fly, now i'm concerned of disease but it doesn't hurt itch or anything, should i stop worrying!?

Accepted Answer

Facing Ur What-If: We tend 2seek reassurance that the things we fear won't happen. An anxiety expert approaching ur fear from a cognitive-behavioral angle might argue that no one can guarantee that what u fear won't happen. Even talking about "likelihood" may not help. But people often feel relief when they face their fear...When accept it could happen. Ask urself: if this happens, then what happens? And then what?

Question 7

how can i get rid of anxiety regarding flying?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety: Cognitive behavior therapy thru systematic desensitization, graduated exposure thru imagery, relaxation, & working on avoidance which intensifies anxiety.

Question 8

what is the best medication to reduce anxiety when flying and how well do they work?

Accepted Answer

Meds vs. counseling: The fear of flying is very common. Medications usually prescribed are benzodiazepines, which are anti-anxiety agents. All are efficacious, but the more immediate acting ones such as Alprazolam or Lorazepam are used the most. However, they are habit forming. Although the tendency is to use medication, there are also effective techniques one can learn to mitigate the fear response, without the risk.

Question 9

can we give her cyclobenzaprine 5 mg to reduce extreme anxiety when flying?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete question : It's best to discuss any medications with her doctor before giving them yourself. There are many things to consider, such as drug reaction, dosing size/strength, and drug safety, to name a few. There may be other options for her, and her doctor should be aware of this issue beforehand. You would not want to deal with an adverse drug reaction mid-flight.

Question 10

my anxiety makes my bp fly off the charts, especially in drs offices and there for my gyno wont prescribe bc. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

You've got: White coat hypertension - blood pressure that rises when under stress or in a dr's clinic. Find ways to overcome anxiety- slow deep breathing, nice imagery exercises, meditation etc. Google online for ways to relieve stress. Get tested also for other conditions like thyroid/ adrenal gland disorder.Best of luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Anxiety with flying

A member asked:

Is there anything similar to ativan i can take over the counter to help with anxiety due to flying? i had a prescription, but no longer have hmo and i dont want to pay the ridiculous doctors office visit to ask for a simple prescription. thank you.

A member asked:

I'm flying in a week, and having so much anxiety, can i start taking ativan (lorazepam)?

A member asked:

What medication works the best at reducing anxiety when flying?

A member asked:

Flying by myself across the country with anxiety and panic. how to calm myself?

A member asked:

Why do i have the constant feeling to gag the last 2 days? could it be my anxiety of flying tomorrow? it's annoying and scary if it's something more.

A member asked:

I have anxiety live in ontario, got bit by a black fly, now i'm concerned of disease but it doesn't hurt itch or anything, should i stop worrying!?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of anxiety regarding flying?

A member asked:

What is the best medication to reduce anxiety when flying and how well do they work?

A member asked:

Can we give her cyclobenzaprine 5 mg to reduce extreme anxiety when flying?

A member asked:

My anxiety makes my bp fly off the charts, especially in drs offices and there for my gyno wont prescribe bc. what can i do?

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