Propranolol or Klonopin for anxious/claustrophobic airplane passenger?

November 7, 2024 8:41 AM

I’m an anxious flyer, primarily because of the claustrophobic feeling of being “trapped” in a space I can’t get out of until the plane lands. I am taking a 15-hour international flight next week. Klonopin usually helps with the anxiety, but I was recently prescribed propranolol, which is working well to control the physical symptoms of anxiety/panic. Wondering if I should take that before the flight, or try a large dose of Klonopin, which might also have the advantage of letting me sleep for at least part of the flight. Thanks for any advice.
posted by Clustercuss to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

I wouldn't try something new on a 15 hour flight, if the klonopin is working well for you. Best to try the propranolol for a shorter, less high stakes situation first.
posted by Archipelago at 8:56 AM on November 7 [4 favorites]

Check with your doctor or pharmacist, but can you do both? The benzo (klonopin) will last for a shorter amount of time in your system compared to the beta blocker. Propranolol can decrease that background level of anxiety over the course of the flight. You can redose with klonopin as needed, but theoretically the propranolol will reduce the amount and frequency you need it.
posted by quadrilaterals at 9:16 AM on November 7 [1 favorite]

Here's my personal experience: I take propranolol for the anxiety associated with public speaking. It works like a charm for me. I take it about an hour before the speaking event. It works much better for this purpose than benzodiazepines ever did (Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, as are Xanax, Valium, and Librium). With regard to your particular situation, I'm not sure about the 15-hour duration, and whether propranolol's effects will last that long. You might want to talk to your doctor about this. Also, as someone else pointed out, you can probably take both drugs, though you should confirm this with your doctor.
posted by akk2014 at 10:38 AM on November 7 [1 favorite]

I generally go with lorazepam (Ativan) but in a pinch I would take any of the benzodiazepines.

BTW, hopefully you're aware of this for yourself, but when I was younger I made the mistake of always getting a window seat (so I could see out) to deal with the claustrophobia. In fact it added significantly to my discomfort, as it trapped me away from the aisle, constrained by the curved hull on one side and two people on the other.

I no longer get on an airplane if I don't have an aisle seat. Between that and the lorazepam I'm able to travel pretty well.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 10:58 AM on November 7 [1 favorite]