Jordan
A female asked:
Need smthg for severe panic when flying, involuntary shaking, body pain, irtnl fear. xanex numbs body not mind. dr. suggested lexotanil. 20 hr flight?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Patricia Fosteranswered
Psychiatry 45 years experience
Calm flight: Lexotanil is similar to Xanax but may be worth a try. Ask your doctor about Buspar (buspirone) for anxiety, short-acting. An eye mask may also help to calm and sleep. Avoid caffeine the day before until you've landed as it will keep you awake and heighten anxiety. Listen to "sleep music" or whatever soothing sounds you prefer on youtube. Distract yourself with pleasant reading and images. Hope this helps.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Olsen commented
Psychiatry 52 years experience
Good suggestions- I recommend a trial run with any medication before you board the plane. Having the security that the med will work will help you control your anxiety.
Other/additional considerations: low dose Beta blocker to reduce sympathetic arousal which will augment anxiety; possibly clonazepam which has a much longer duration of effect than Xanax. Test First!!!
Aug 21, 2015
Dr. Patricia Foster commented
Psychiatry 45 years experience
Provided original answer
Agree. Thanks for the comments Dr. Olsen!
Aug 22, 2015
Last updated Apr 30, 2016
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