The Best Sedatives Prescribed For Those Who Fear Flying

 

We are no strangers to fears and phobias daily. Some may have an intense fear of spiders, closed spaces, and even the dark, forcing them to keep the lights on when going to sleep. Aviophobia is a reasonably common fear observed in a significant population who fear flying. A stressful environment can be created by the cramped cabin quarters, unpredictable turbulence, and changing temperatures; if you already have anxiety issues, these conditions will only make it worse. Worry not! Many sedatives and medications are available in the market to tackle your fear of flying and give you a calmer experience when traveling for a business trip or a holiday. Read ahead to know the best sedatives prescribed for fear of flying. (Please Note: Consult with your doctor or physician before taking any medication.)

 

1. Xanax

The most common anti-anxiety medication given to people is Xanax which is a type of benzodiazepine. Xanax, given the length of most cross-country flights, is relatively fast-acting and remains in the body for several hours. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which encourages serenity and creates a relaxed feeling, is a brain molecule that Xanax increases to generate desired effects. The medication lowers the brain's excitement level to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Some people may experience side effects after the flight, such as dizziness, uneasiness, vomiting, and nausea. Another prescription that can be given as an alternative to Xanax is Ativan which has the same property and works effectively as the previous one. Care needs to be taken when consuming this drug due to its high dependence potency. 

Adult dosage range: 0.25-0.5mg (prescribed accordingly.)

 

2. Melatonin

Due to the possibility of sleep disruption, overnight flights can be incredibly distressing for anxiety sufferers. Melatonin is a natural substance that may be bought over-the-counter and may be helpful in certain situations. Natural sources of melatonin include both plants and animals. It has long been linked to the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle in animals, where it is primarily known as a hormone secreted at night by the pineal gland in the brain. Upon consumption, melatonin induces sleep in the body, which can be an excellent remedy for long flights and for people who deal with anxiety-induced insomnia during flights and airborne travels. In general, using melatonin for a brief period is safe. Melatonin has fewer side effects than other sleep aids, including a low response after repeated usage, dependence, and hangover effects.

Adult dosage range: 0.5-5mg is effective for aviophobia-induced anxiety (prescribed accordingly.)

 

3. Diazepam

Sedatives have the effect of drowsiness when consumed, which is used to ease the anxiety in a person and thus makes up to be an excellent sedative for people with aviophobia. Diazepam helps relieve nervousness and tension, works to relax muscular spasms, and induces sleep. Most people think that diazepam is only used to reduce anxiety in people. Still, this drug is effective against various problems like withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, and sedation during operation. Diazepam is usually prescribed according to the needs of the person. You also have to consider this drug's adverse effect, which is the high dependence rate. As a sedative, diazepam induces sleep and relaxation in its users. Suppose there is an emergency during the flight. In that case, it could be difficult for you to focus, pay attention to instructions, and react appropriately. You and the people around you could suffer severe safety concerns.

Adult dosage range: 4-40mg for anxiety (prescribed accordingly.)

 

4. Dramamine

Dimenhydrinate, sold under the brand name Dramamine, is a commonly used antihistamine drug to treat dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and motion sickness. It is not recommended to be given to children or pregnant women. Although it is an antihistamine, it somewhat helps with motion sickness symptoms. Like all antihistamines, it might make you sleepy, lightheaded, or less mentally attentive. Hence, it can be a good sedative for people who fear flying. It helps keep them calm due to the dizzy effects and reduces the consequences of motion sickness and heights. It is readily available over-the-counter and hence will not require any prescription to purchase. 

Adult dosage range: 50-100mg 1.5hrs before flying (prescribed accordingly.)

 

Alternative and Natural treatments for fear of flying

There are numerous other measures you may take to make flying more bearable outside taking medicine. However, this may be useful for some people. Preventive and situational coping strategies might be used when fighting off the fear of flying. A few things you can follow to cope with your aviophobia are given below:

• Exercise before traveling will reduce stress and lead to muscle fatigue for a more relaxed experience.
• CBT therapies work wonders to suppress negative thoughts and fears relating to flights and heights.
• Read a book or listen to your favorite music to distract your mind and reduce the chances of having flight-induced anxiety.
• Take some magnesium supplement before boarding the flight as it helps calm nerves.
• The practice of meditative visualization can be quite helpful in calming your mind and preventing unpleasant ideas from entering your head as you fly.

 

Things to avoid before flying

There are certain things you should keep in mind before boarding the airplane if you have a fear of flying. The first thing is to avoid caffeine products as much as possible. Caffeine is known to boost wakefulness which is the worst scenario a person with aviophobia would need if they are on a long flight. Alcohol is the second-worst choice to consume when airborne as it is a dehydrating agent. If your body is devoid of hydration, it gets easier for you to feel nauseous and giddy when high up in the air, and it comes with a lousy jolt of a hangover when you land. Avoid meat, fried products, and carbonated drinks when traveling because it is prone to causing gas, bloating, and discomfort, which is not a suitable position to be in when having a fear of flying. 

 

What to do if you have a fear of flying?

Whether it is an hour-long or 12-hour journey, a small trigger or thought could make your experience a living nightmare. Follow these tips to overcome your fear of flying with ease:

• Worry less about turbulence: A little wonky movement from the plane will not cause it to crash. Turbulence is nothing but the plane riding through the strong wind currents at a higher altitude. It's the same as encountering a road bump when driving. With the latest technologies, planes are built to sustain solid winds and give you safe travel. 
• Talk to the flight attendants: The best way to overcome your fear of flying is to talk, and the best people available on your plane to talk it out to are the flight attendants. They are trained to handle medical emergencies, flight emergencies, or any uncalled circumstances. If you feel anxious or uneasy on your flight, a quick reassurance from their side will help immensely.
• Avoid window-facing seats: One of the few flight-related decisions travelers can make is selecting a seat. If flying makes you uncomfortable, it's worth paying a little more for that option. If you fear flying, avoiding window seats is the best choice. You can select the middle seats to the seats at the back with less contact with windows. 
• Fight your fears: Exposure therapy is the most effective +method for overcoming a fear. A person's inflated, irrational cognitions about their anxiety can be refuted by exposure, which enables them to come into contact with the feared stimulus. So, the best thing you can do for yourself is to board a plane if you genuinely want to overcome your fear of flying.
• Sign up for a one-day flying course: Nowadays, many airlines provide a one-day course to help people overcome their phobia of flying. The class is intended for those who are anxious about flying and those who are too afraid to board. Speaking with experienced airline pilots and learning more about the aircraft can make some passengers feel more at ease. Others find that having the opportunity to board a plane without the anxiety of an accurate flight allows them to feel more comfortable and at ease in the atmosphere. 

 

Wrapping up

Everyone has one thing or another which causes anxiety due to a phobia. It is possible to overcome a fear of flying with the correct assistance and equipment. Don't let stress prevent you from taking a pleasant trip abroad, spending quality time with relatives abroad, or taking advantage of global business chances. Go ahead and conquer the fear of flying for the best traveling experience! Follow leisure.com for more travel tips, tricks, guides, and trip suggestions.