Panicing for planes
February 18, 2012 7:04 PM Subscribe
I am having panic attacks and I need to get on a plane tomorrow.
I flew into this city on Monday, but managed to mitigate the panic because a) the flight had a stop at an airport I am familiar with and b) I was with co-workers. I am supposed to fly tomorrow afternoon but my city is going to get hit with snow, and it is a non-stop. I am able to switch to an earlier flight but I cannot stop panicking even now and I am too afraid to get on a plane. My doctor is in the destination city and doesn't work weekends and I don't know how I'm going to get on the plane tomorrow. I have some sleeping pils but the flight is only 5 hours and ambein will make me sleep for 8. I was really having a good time until I found out about the possible problems with air travel.
What do I do?
I flew into this city on Monday, but managed to mitigate the panic because a) the flight had a stop at an airport I am familiar with and b) I was with co-workers. I am supposed to fly tomorrow afternoon but my city is going to get hit with snow, and it is a non-stop. I am able to switch to an earlier flight but I cannot stop panicking even now and I am too afraid to get on a plane. My doctor is in the destination city and doesn't work weekends and I don't know how I'm going to get on the plane tomorrow. I have some sleeping pils but the flight is only 5 hours and ambein will make me sleep for 8. I was really having a good time until I found out about the possible problems with air travel.
What do I do?
I'm not a medical doctor and not speaking as one, but can you take just half of an Ambien?
If you don't want to, buy some diphenhydramine (Benadryl) over the counter and take one (25 mg) - it's an antihistamine that will make you drowsy and calm you down a little.
Or -- how about some wine?
But of course don't mix any of these.
posted by DMelanogaster at 7:22 PM on February 18, 2012
If you don't want to, buy some diphenhydramine (Benadryl) over the counter and take one (25 mg) - it's an antihistamine that will make you drowsy and calm you down a little.
Or -- how about some wine?
But of course don't mix any of these.
posted by DMelanogaster at 7:22 PM on February 18, 2012
Dramamine. It can make you sleepy, but not as sleepy. I can't guarantee it will work for you, but as someone who asks my doctor for a prescription when I fly of a low dose of lorazepam, it's what I use when that's not available. Or, if you have taken dramamine before and it didn't make you drowsy, maybe Benadryl. Another drug that can make you drowsy, but not completely knock you out.
Or, if there is any way you can get through to your doctor's call service, you could indicate it is urgent, and ask them to call in a prescription to a local pharmacy for you for a very low dose of lorazepam, that would be even better. Maybe a local urgent care center where someone might be able to prescribe something for you?
posted by instead of three wishes at 7:25 PM on February 18, 2012
Or, if there is any way you can get through to your doctor's call service, you could indicate it is urgent, and ask them to call in a prescription to a local pharmacy for you for a very low dose of lorazepam, that would be even better. Maybe a local urgent care center where someone might be able to prescribe something for you?
posted by instead of three wishes at 7:25 PM on February 18, 2012
And when you get on board, if it doesn't make you more anxious, tell the staff about your situation. They are very well aquatinted with travelers who don't deal well with flying and will try to help you to the best of their ability.
posted by Belle O'Cosity at 8:06 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Belle O'Cosity at 8:06 PM on February 18, 2012
Can you go to a minute clinic or doc in the box tomorrow and get a script for, like, TWO Valium?
If you want to minimize the odds of getting labeled a drug-seeker, I would say something like, "I'm a very fearful flyer, and I've found out there is bad weather in my destination city. I'm having symptoms like [throwing up, light-headedness, racing heart, etc]. Is there anything I can take to calm my nerves for a flight of five hours today?" ie, make it clear you don't want them to write you a script of 30 valium or whatever on just your say-so.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 9:13 PM on February 18, 2012
If you want to minimize the odds of getting labeled a drug-seeker, I would say something like, "I'm a very fearful flyer, and I've found out there is bad weather in my destination city. I'm having symptoms like [throwing up, light-headedness, racing heart, etc]. Is there anything I can take to calm my nerves for a flight of five hours today?" ie, make it clear you don't want them to write you a script of 30 valium or whatever on just your say-so.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 9:13 PM on February 18, 2012
I have experienced plane panic a bazillion times. It is terrible and I totally sympathize. I fly a lot and have had to learn to deal with it. Ughh.
here's some tips, i hope they help -- sorry, it's such a long post
1/ get a talisman to protect you. --- something that has meaning for you. Can be anything: a necklace someone gave you.. a book... whatever... This is a personal thing that It seems silly on the ground, but when you are up in the air, holding on to it can be a great comfort.
2/ get a squeeze ball/stress ball.
(found at any drugstore)
3/ follow Belle's advice and talk to the attendants when you get on. If you can, try to chat with the pilots... how bumpy the flight is going to be etc... Often it's not possible to talk to pilots though... so just find an understanding attendant.
4/If panic does set in, start counting. On the in-breath say the number ... 1, and on out breathe say the words "it's OK" or "RELAX". Count this way for the entire 5 hours if need be....
5/ Remember that everything is fine until the pilot tells you otherwise. So, even though it may seem not fine during a panic attack, keep reminding yourself that everything is OK until you hear from the flight crew otherwise. Every noise and bump you think is scary is actually totally normal.
6/If you have an understanding seatmate, it can help to explain your fear and ask to chat with them...about something mundane... weather, sports, movies.
7/ Everyone's suggestion for a prescription is spot on; doctor prescribed "help" is definitely your first choice here BUT I want you to know that in the event that you can't get a prescription in time, please don't worry. You will still be fine.
Speaking from experience, what you are really managing here is your own fear. Air travel is *way* safer than walking down the street! You will possibly have al panic attack, but you will recover from that and the plane will land safe and sound and you will be getting your luggage in no time.
You will be fine!
You will be fine!
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 9:17 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
here's some tips, i hope they help -- sorry, it's such a long post
1/ get a talisman to protect you. --- something that has meaning for you. Can be anything: a necklace someone gave you.. a book... whatever... This is a personal thing that It seems silly on the ground, but when you are up in the air, holding on to it can be a great comfort.
2/ get a squeeze ball/stress ball.
(found at any drugstore)
3/ follow Belle's advice and talk to the attendants when you get on. If you can, try to chat with the pilots... how bumpy the flight is going to be etc... Often it's not possible to talk to pilots though... so just find an understanding attendant.
4/If panic does set in, start counting. On the in-breath say the number ... 1, and on out breathe say the words "it's OK" or "RELAX". Count this way for the entire 5 hours if need be....
5/ Remember that everything is fine until the pilot tells you otherwise. So, even though it may seem not fine during a panic attack, keep reminding yourself that everything is OK until you hear from the flight crew otherwise. Every noise and bump you think is scary is actually totally normal.
6/If you have an understanding seatmate, it can help to explain your fear and ask to chat with them...about something mundane... weather, sports, movies.
7/ Everyone's suggestion for a prescription is spot on; doctor prescribed "help" is definitely your first choice here BUT I want you to know that in the event that you can't get a prescription in time, please don't worry. You will still be fine.
Speaking from experience, what you are really managing here is your own fear. Air travel is *way* safer than walking down the street! You will possibly have al panic attack, but you will recover from that and the plane will land safe and sound and you will be getting your luggage in no time.
You will be fine!
You will be fine!
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 9:17 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
Take half the Ambien with a Dramamine. That'll knock you out for most of the flight.
This is anecdotal, but if you can get to a grocery store or health food store, valerian root is also very helpful. It'll make you drowsy but not knock you out.
posted by elizeh at 9:25 PM on February 18, 2012
This is anecdotal, but if you can get to a grocery store or health food store, valerian root is also very helpful. It'll make you drowsy but not knock you out.
posted by elizeh at 9:25 PM on February 18, 2012
Chamomile tea, warm milk, and a turkey sandwich before boarding.
All three have things that should relax you.
posted by cjorgensen at 9:28 PM on February 18, 2012
All three have things that should relax you.
posted by cjorgensen at 9:28 PM on February 18, 2012
I'd take the entire Ambien if I were you. If it makes you sleep for 8 hours under normal conditions, I'm betting that it'll be less for a flight. Take it as you are waiting to board so it will hit you before take-off. Even if it does normally make you sleep for 8 hours, you won't be so knocked out that the flight attendants can't wake you. Just have someone pick you up at your destination or take a cab home. Good luck.
posted by Sal and Richard at 11:22 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Sal and Richard at 11:22 PM on February 18, 2012
I go through periods where I panic when I fly. It started when my son was 4 and spent the first 45 minutes if the flight saying, literally, "Want to get down. No fly. Plane too big to go in air.". I kept thinking he was right.
WRONG! Plane travel is really safe. But when I fly cross country, I take a Tylenol PM and wash it down with a beer. I know not a great idea to mix, but it works forme. I bet it will work for you. Never hada problem waking up.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 12:06 AM on February 19, 2012
WRONG! Plane travel is really safe. But when I fly cross country, I take a Tylenol PM and wash it down with a beer. I know not a great idea to mix, but it works forme. I bet it will work for you. Never hada problem waking up.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 12:06 AM on February 19, 2012
No problem.
Take your palm and just tap on your leg for me, ok? About once a second. Just tap tap tap tap tap.
Keep tapping.
There are around 28,000 commercial flights in a day in the US. That's 28,000 takeoffs and 28,000 landings.
Tap tap tap tap. 56,000 plane events a day. Divide by say 16 hours each day, 6am to 10pm pretty much covers most flights.
Tap tap tap tap tap.
You are tapping once a second, that's 60 a minute, 3600 an hour, and a bit over 56,000 a day. Same as the flights.
Think about that while you're waiting at the gate, and while you're lining up for takeoff. Tap tap tap tap. Everytime you tap, literally hundreds of people just survived the thing that seems so terrifying. None of them died. None got hurt.
Tap tap tap, ever second, tens of thousands of times a day, everything turns out perfectly fine.
posted by sanderman at 2:53 AM on February 19, 2012 [3 favorites]
Take your palm and just tap on your leg for me, ok? About once a second. Just tap tap tap tap tap.
Keep tapping.
There are around 28,000 commercial flights in a day in the US. That's 28,000 takeoffs and 28,000 landings.
Tap tap tap tap. 56,000 plane events a day. Divide by say 16 hours each day, 6am to 10pm pretty much covers most flights.
Tap tap tap tap tap.
You are tapping once a second, that's 60 a minute, 3600 an hour, and a bit over 56,000 a day. Same as the flights.
Think about that while you're waiting at the gate, and while you're lining up for takeoff. Tap tap tap tap. Everytime you tap, literally hundreds of people just survived the thing that seems so terrifying. None of them died. None got hurt.
Tap tap tap, ever second, tens of thousands of times a day, everything turns out perfectly fine.
posted by sanderman at 2:53 AM on February 19, 2012 [3 favorites]
You could try having a drink before you get on the plane. NB: I am not advocating getting drunk, just have enough to give that mild warm glow and reach the point where things don't seem to matter so very much. For most of us, that place is a place where things that are making us anxious or afraid seem less scary and troubling.
Top it up on the flight if necessary. But don't get drunk. Because that can tip us over the other side.
posted by Decani at 3:26 AM on February 19, 2012
Top it up on the flight if necessary. But don't get drunk. Because that can tip us over the other side.
posted by Decani at 3:26 AM on February 19, 2012
Okay, your anticipatory anxiety is like a 10 right now.
Stop. Lay down. Breathe. Feel the floor, or the bed. You are working yourself into a state! For absolutely no reason.
You know part of the anxiety process is that after you fly, you feel like a fool. What were you so worried about?
It's time to interrupt this cycle.
One thing I found amazingly helpful as this "flying tomorrow?" program. (N.B. I am just a customer, I do not work for them or have any association with them.) There are also a number of free fear of flying videos there and a great message board; also, the shrink who runs the program does immediate phone sessions. (Seriously! I've never used them, but he's very willing and takes calls all the time.)
Finally: here is their great fear of flying forum. I love it: I find it reassuring just how common my anxiety is.
One of the things they talk about there a lot is that medication works, often, in the short term. But it's not an actual treatment. It turns out that you CAN treat fear of flying. (I say this as someone who didn't fly for almost twenty years, and has flown six times in the last two months.)
posted by RJ Reynolds at 7:00 AM on February 19, 2012 [2 favorites]
Stop. Lay down. Breathe. Feel the floor, or the bed. You are working yourself into a state! For absolutely no reason.
You know part of the anxiety process is that after you fly, you feel like a fool. What were you so worried about?
It's time to interrupt this cycle.
One thing I found amazingly helpful as this "flying tomorrow?" program. (N.B. I am just a customer, I do not work for them or have any association with them.) There are also a number of free fear of flying videos there and a great message board; also, the shrink who runs the program does immediate phone sessions. (Seriously! I've never used them, but he's very willing and takes calls all the time.)
Finally: here is their great fear of flying forum. I love it: I find it reassuring just how common my anxiety is.
One of the things they talk about there a lot is that medication works, often, in the short term. But it's not an actual treatment. It turns out that you CAN treat fear of flying. (I say this as someone who didn't fly for almost twenty years, and has flown six times in the last two months.)
posted by RJ Reynolds at 7:00 AM on February 19, 2012 [2 favorites]
If you want another drug that will take the edge off and make you sleepy, but will probably not get you labelled a drug user, try hydroxizine. It's a sedating antihistamine that also has some anxiolytic properties. Try visiting an urgent care clinic or a minute clinic, this is something they will probably be able to help you with.
posted by KathrynT at 10:44 AM on February 19, 2012
posted by KathrynT at 10:44 AM on February 19, 2012
Oh hell I hate flying. Next time prep with the Xanax, but seriously take the whole ambien.
posted by ibakecake at 10:45 AM on February 19, 2012
posted by ibakecake at 10:45 AM on February 19, 2012
Make sure your flight isn't delayed before you take the Ambien. I was all ready to have a nice relaxed flight from Denver to SF and had taken my pill when the flight was canceled at the last minute due to thunderstorms. I didn't get on another plane for eight hours, by which time the Ambien had worn off and I was a complete wreck.
I always, always tell the flight attendants that I'm a nervous flyer and they've always come by to check on me, ask me if I'm OK, etc., which makes me a little more reassured.
Good luck! You'll probably be a bit groggy, but that's not the worst thing in the world.
posted by vickyverky at 12:28 PM on February 19, 2012
I always, always tell the flight attendants that I'm a nervous flyer and they've always come by to check on me, ask me if I'm OK, etc., which makes me a little more reassured.
Good luck! You'll probably be a bit groggy, but that's not the worst thing in the world.
posted by vickyverky at 12:28 PM on February 19, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by two lights above the sea at 7:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]