Valium Or Xanax For Flying Posts

About Valium Or Xanax For Flying

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Valium or xanax for a fear of flying.? I have a huge fear of flying despite being on over 20 flights. It seems I get worse and worse. Funny thing is the decent and landing don't bother me much. It's the takeoff and main part of the flight. I have to fly home in December and my mother suggested I try to get a doctor to prescribe me a few pills of valium or xanax to take for the trip going and returning. Is this a good idea? What will the medication do to me exactly? How will I feel after I reach my destinations?

solipsist0 replied: "I normally take a handful of both for any fear. Even on days when I'm not anticipating any fear, I'll take a smaller handful, just to be on the safe side."

hot23boy8 replied: "xanax will knock you out cold!! after 20 to 30 min later. and sometimes makes u slurr your words. valuime is a muscle relaxer i think."

Prathumkiri replied: "I had tried both prescribed by doctors. And I think zanax will be better as it usually cool or calm some one down. You will only feel a bit sleepy that's all without losing any consciousness."

wheelchairbarbie replied: "I've flown 12 times and I'm nervous as hell until I'm on the plane and there's no going back. I do have to keep reassuring myself during flight, though. I would definately avoid pills cos you don't know how long you're going to be affected by them. I just have a couple of drinks before flying and a couple on the plane, take a book I'm familiar with or some puzzles. Try to enjoy the flight, it's amazing to look at the clouds and the ground below and think that only in the last 100 years or so humans have been able to see those sights. Finally, try not to sit next to a civil engineer called Martin. He made my 45 minute flight between Amsterdam and England the LONGEST OF ALL TIME."

stubum79 replied: "listen to your mother, at least she's on the right track by telling you to see your doctor! never, repeat NEVER, take any kind of medical advice from anyone other than a qualified medical professional! this includes taking any kind of medication for any reason whatsoever. valium and xanax are both depressants and potentially dangerous when not taken as prescribed by a doctor! go to your doctor and present your problem exactly as you've done here - then heed his or her advice. please!"

What are the differences between Xanax and Diazepam/valium? How are the effects different and when are each prescribed? I think people use Xanax like valium, but I really don't understand the difference, and when I read the side effects, I learned that Xanax can actually CAUSE anxiety. I'm looking for something that will numb me up for a flight I have to take. I have huge anxiety when I fly. Which one is best if I want to be knocked out for a duration? Would Ambien be better?

CB replied: "xanax and valium are the same thing. they have different trade names because they are manufactured by different drug companies but they fuck you up the same .with those drugs you will be really chilled out and probably not worry about things but still be alert enough to react in an emergency. Ambien will probably totally knock you out, so if you really need to be unconscious for this flight I'd recommend that. Otherwise, get a valium."

Gin Stem replied: "Take either a good dosage of Xanex or Valium if you want to fly and be somewhat conscious (and pretty high) or take Ambien if you want to just completey fall asleep and wake up safely on the ground. Hey, another benefit is that if your airplane crashes and everyone dies, you'll be asleep so you won't even hear the screams of everyone as they die in terriable agony and fire and explosion and your death will probably be instantanious. Good luck"

Tulssadog replied: "You need to talk to your doctor. Do not take things that are you are not prescribed for. Ambien is a sleep agent. Why would you want to take that? I mean how long is your flight? Is it over sea's? I really don't know of to many doctors that are going to want you knocked out for a flight..as I would not want to be either. What if they needed to wake you up for something? Just be careful on taking drugs. Also you know there are classes for anxiety. But, please call your doctor and explain your intense anxiety."

Cordelias Mama replied: "Ambien will make you go to sleep, a lot of times Xanax is perscribed for flights only because with Valium the residual drowsiness is extreme, the best for a short flight would probably be Ativan, as you will be alert easier but still will have the same effect (BTW all the drugs described besides Ambien, belong the the Benzodiazapine family of drugs)"

guitarfreak335 replied: "Xanax can make you feel more relaxed and not as jittery but i take Diazepam as a sleep aid and it works well for me. I recommend the valium. Also, thank you for your imput and I agree with your opinion. Thats one thing I have already found that i dislike about this site, it limits your ability to fully explain yourself or your question, and may make you appear to have a narrowed perspective."

How do 5 mg valium compare with .25 of xanax? My doctor has recently prescribed .25 Xanax for flying and I am afraid it won't work plus can I drink with that much? (I know you should not drink at all). IN the past I took about 7 ml of Valium with a glass of wine...I have to fly soon and don't know how much xanax to take. Suggestions? And is it any more dangerous to drink with Xanax than Valium? I need that instant gratification when I get nervous on a plane! Is .25 of Xanax about equivalent with 5 Ml of Valium? Not sure how much xanax to take..usually I take 1and 1/2 tablets of 5 mill of Valium (5 isn't quite enough).

jas30705 replied: "Both work to calm you down but to me the Valium would work better in a case like this. Only used when you have to fly. I take xanax 1 mg and it doesn't help much at calming me down. My sister takes Valium and it works great for her. But as you know we are all different."

Sissy replied: "Depends on your personal reaction with taking them, but for the most part they are interchangeable as far as providing a sense of "calm" for you when it comes to flying. I have also taken both for the same thing and my sensitivity to the valium mixed with alcohol was slightly more severe than that of the xanax mixed with alcohol. Just be careful...one glass of wine can sneak up on you, especially if you already have valium or xanax in your system."

thebtpyoda replied: "well 1 milligram of xanax equals 10 milligrams of valium. so .50mg's of xanax would equal 5 mg's of valium. so you went up .25mg's if you are comparing one to the other if that makes sense. xanax doesn't last long especially with .25 which is the least you can take. so you can drink a few hours after you took the pill. you'll be able to tell when its not working anymore. valium lasts longer so you'll have to wait longer till you can drink. xanax works right away and is better for the plane. everyone's tolorance is diff with xanax so test it out on yourself and u'll know how much you should take."

Jess replied: ".5 of Xanax is the equivalent dose of 5 mg valium. Both are low doses.Xanax has intermediate rapidity of effect and an intermediate half-life. Valium has rapid effect and long half-life. * I don't think that one is more dangerous than the other mixed with alcohol...but I'm not sure about that. Both can be extremely dangerous mixed, but I don't think the risk is very high of major problems with such a low dose. I am not a medical professional. I have taken low doses of ativan and small amounts of alcohol numberous times without any problems. Since it doesn't act as fast as valium, you may want to take the xanax a little bit earlier than you would take valium. It should work as well as valium. All of the benzo's are highly effective meds. It might be worth learing/using some relaxation techniques too...it may help you be less and less nervous each time you fly because you will remember the time before wasn't quite as bad as you expected."

Which is more effective; Adavan or Xanax? I normally take valium when I fly but it has been 6 years since my last flight and my doctor has recommended that I try Adavan or Xanax because valium isn't appropriate for me at this time. I talked to my pharmacist who said Xanax would be more effective at calming me but I wanted some opinions from people who've tried either or both for fear and anxiety. Please no advice one natural remedies. I'm trying those as well and my flight is in 3 weeks so I don't have a lot of time to invest in hypnotherapy right now. I don't take medicine often at all but I do know when I need it. And unless someone has had the fear of flying, they won't understand. So please no critcism of my choosing to medicate for the flight, just legitimate answers to the question I have asked. Thanks! To SSS: Actually, the pharmacists I have spoken to (both of which I work with) have said that valium was fine on a one time basis. The background is that I'm pregnant (5 months at time of flight) and want to find an effective medication that is least likely to cause harm to my baby. The pharmacists have both said that Valium, Adavan, Xanax have been prescribed to pregnant women and that Valium is just an "older" medication that isn't used as frequently. Also, it's much stronger. It's the doctor who has recommended Adavan or Xanax and I don't know a lot about them. According to her "all class D medications are not the same". She said that they are often assigned the "class D" label simply because they are not allowed to publish drug research on pregnant women. So they assign the label to be on the safe side. All, (Dr. and pharmacists) have agreed that the stress of my anxiety and spike in blood pressure would likely impact the baby worse. Again, these medications are to be taken on a two-time basis only. Flight down and flight back. That's a lot different than something taken on a regular basis, which I don't intend to do.

Sam D replied: "Ativan and Xanax are basically the same. If you're concerned about cost, Ativan comes in generic form and is therefore cheaper than Xanax. But chemically, they are both very similar and have the same effect."

SUZI S replied: "Ativan and Xanax are in the same "family". Personally, I can't take Xanax - I took it once and went into respiratory arrest. I think the best thing you can do is follow your doctor's advice and not post a serious question of a medical nature on Yahoo. Good luck! (You might ask about Ambien for sleep - it works - depending on how long your flight is."

The Doctor of Stuff replied: "ativan and xanax are both benzodiazepines and are pretty much the same as the valium. your doctor should know this. medicines work differently for different people. ask your doc to write you a script for a small amount of one and try it. if that doesn't work try the other one. you can get a generic form of both of them so the money shouldn't be an issue. benzo's can be habit froming though so be careful with whatever it is you take."

Genea_80 replied: "I've taken both and to be honest, they give you the same effect, but Ativan is a little "milder"....I'm drug-sensitive, so they both put me to sleep in about 20 minutes, and I only have to take 1mg. If you want to be sure you'll sleep through the entire flight, try the Xanax, it seemed to be a little more potent to me. If you just want to mellow out, and go to sleep if you want to, try the Ativan."

sss replied: "Hi Jen, First of all, You said that Valium isn't appropriate for you right now. I am curious to know Why? because this may also make either Alprazolam(Xanax) or Lorazepam( Ativan) not suitable for you. I have the complete comparison between Xanax and Ativan. I can tell you every thing you need about each one. FDA ( Food & Drug Adm.) has mentioned all labeled indications for each one: Alprazolam has only two Indications: 1.Anxiety. 2. Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. However: Lorazepam (Ativan) has four labeled indications: 1.Anxiety. 2.insomnia, due to anxiety or situational stress. 3.premedication for anesthetic procedure. 4.Status epilepticus. Therefore, I can't recommend any medication for you until i know why can't take Valium at this time! I think these info. are what do you need to look for. if you have any further questions, just email me. Good Luck with your flight."

jloertscher replied: ""more effective" depends entirely on what you are using the drugs for. I too don't enjoy flying all that much. If it were me, I'd take a Xanax."

Xanax and Valium??????? I am going on a plane at 4 and i have sever flying phobia. I was already getting worked up so my mom (i have perscriptions) gave me a half of valium, then I felt nothing working so she just gave me less than half of a xanax...what will happen? am i going to die?

Monya Y replied: "I'm pretty sure, that they dont have chemical effects, they shut down a part of your brain for a period of time, I think. I'm not sure. :S"

Daniel G replied: "say your prayers : )"

Toss that Yeyo and Run replied: "It isn't going to interact. You don't say the strength, but at the largest does half and half could only be 5mg Valium and 1mg Xanax. That isn't enough to hurt you. Worse thing that could happen is you get so sleepy and sedated that they won't let you fly because a passed out person is a safety hazard on a plane during an emergency evacuation."

Fred W replied: "This is a great course/product which helped me basically CURE myself of anxiety/panic attacks and stop them for good, check it out below: I highly recommend it, good luck."

Valium or Xanax? Which will help my General Anxitey Disorder. can any help me i went to doctor. i been on xanax 3 years Asap please answer flying in 11 days

neelyohara2004 replied: ".. my personal favorite is Ativan.. Valium is a muscle relaxiant so it won't do much for Anxiety..Ativan will."

sparkloom replied: "please try valium. it's my favorite prescription drug of all-time. just be very carefull if you decide to drink as you'll become a raging moron with that mixture. nothing calms me like a 10 mg tablet of diazapam - it's amazing that it's not easier to get these days."

Twinklestar replied: "Well, a psychiatrist just told me that the best treatment for anxiety and panic disorder is not a tranquilizer but an anti-depressant."

Ricky Lee replied: "Xanax sucks I call it the stupid pill because it makes you forget everthing. Valium may give you a little dopeover the next day but it works so much better.(for me anyway)"

gabby replied: "There is a drug called Klonopin (Clonazepam generic brand) that seems to work fairly well. Zoloft seems to help much much in controlling OCD behaviors. You will be very fortunate if you have a doctor that will prescribe Valium. It is highly addictive. A lot of it also can be helped through some meditation along with the RX drugs. I have had a anxiety disorder for several years now and the Xanax seemed to stop working for me as well."

Clubadv replied: "7 years of panik disorder and GAD. I found out that it was my own selfish ambition and vain conceit that caused my anxiety. Try doing for others. Get to know Jesus."

Abbi L replied: "Treatments for GAD currently include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and azapirones. Valium (aka Diazepam) is an antianxiety agent. Used primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety. Diazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. For information on Valium, look at : Xanax (aka alprazolam) is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders. Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. For more information on Xanax, look at: You said that you have been taking Xanax for 3 years. If you have noticed a relief in your symptoms, you should remain on Xanax. If you are no longer noticing relief, you may want to try another medication such as Valium. However, I am not sure that you would want to change medications so close to your flight. You should speak to your doctor of your concerns and let him or her decide which medication is best for you. *I have only taken Xanax for GAD, and for me it worked how I needed it to, and when I needed it to. If you are not planning on being on Xanax for the rest of your life, you may want to note that the withdrawal symptoms from Xanax are particularly miserable, but I believe this to be so with any medication that effects the chemicals in your brain.* Good luck with your medications."

Special replied: "both work if xanax doesn't work then u should ask for Valium"

Valium? Xanax? First time flyer.? I am going out West for Christmas and am traveling from Michigan to Oregon to meet fiance's family. Unfortunately we decided (and I mean he decided) to fly. I have never flown before and for my extreme fear of flying. The thought of being on a plane scares the well, you get the point. I am extremely claustrophobic and am curious what a doctor would prescribe me. I will not drink (the flight is at 9 a.m. and my parents are dropping me off). Also I don't believe in being hypnotized. I am hoping my doctor will prescribe me something so my fiance and soon to be brother-in-law can drag me on and off the plane. I do want to be able to move but I want to be as mellowed out as possible without being a zombie on the plane. Just curious on anyone's insight to visting the doctor with this issue.

Ryan replied: "Personally, I would choose Xanax..simply for the "non-fogginess" factor however most doctors wont prescribe it on such a short term basis (such as once before a flight..time two..for the return flight back). I could be wrong though, but doctors in my area wont prescribe it for this. I WILL however tell you that you could be prescribed a very small dose (usually 1/4 mg pill) of Ativan, which is an anti-anxiety med. I get them from my Neurologist, in scripts of two pills, because my current back injury has me going for MRIs at least once a week..and I'm very claustrophobic. They really help. THEY DO make you somewhat sleepy, but not to the point where you feel like you've been hit by a bus. Ask your doctor about Ativan."

Has anybody had an experience taking Valium on an airplane to calm nerves? Does it work? I am terrified of flying and have tried Xanax with no effect whatsoever. My Dr. prescribed a 15 day supply of Valium for me to use when I go on vacation at the end of the month. I've never taken Valium and would like to know what to expect. Feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

secret_smile29 replied: "My work mates husband took it and he was fine...he was really scared before that!!! Think of it this way...it's the safest way to travel...you only hear of the bad stuff because it not a regular occurance...you don't hear of every car accident do you??? Cos they happen all the time!!! Try the valium...and a vodka (if you're of age)The valium will really chill you out...make you laid back...probably sleepy!!!"

jo22 replied: "It makes you really sleepy and kind of out of it. be careful it you are flying alone and make sure that you eat a good meal or it may make you sick."

alison107 replied: "Valium is definitely stronger than Xanax, but I'm not sure it'll really work any better than drinking a bottle of champagne. Everyone is different on every drug. I recommend taking it one day when you don't have anywhere else to be and just seeing how it reacts with your system first. The stress of your fear will make it vary on the day of the actual plane trip, but at least you'll have an idea. P.S. Definitely do not take Valium and vodka as someone recommended. Alcohol and Valium make a very bad combination and could cause heart failure or extensive liver damage, neither of which is worth it. (Yes, people do it every day and live, but it's not worth the risk.)"

Sandybeaches replied: "I tried Valium for the very same reason. It didn't calm me at all. I first took 5mg and didn't feel any less frightened so I took 5mg more for the maximum dose and still I didn't feel any less frightened.I then had a bloody mary and still was very uncomfortable on the flight for some reason the Valium didn't help at all. However, I got a prescription for ambien so I could just sleep through it. The ambien made me very drowsy and calm and relaxed and I wasn't so frightened. I didn't sleep through it, but I would nod off for a few minutes at a time. I only have to take half a dose as soon as we board the plane by the time I start feeling the effects I'm comfortably in my seat with my pillow and blanket and ready to dose off a little for the take off. I will take the other half of the dose if I need it for the second leg of the flight. I absolutely will not fly without it ever again."

Any Xanax users? I have been prescribed two Xanax pills for an upcoming flight next week, one for the flight down and one for the flight back. I will be 5 months pregnant at the time of the flight and my doctor (after much research) has determined that a low dose of Xanax taken on a two time basis only, would be highly unlikely to cause harm to my baby at this stage of development. This drug is also likely lablelled the "class D" as a precautionary measure because there hasn't been a lot of research on it. I've done a lot of research of pregnant women and sedatives and almost all have been prescribed Xanax for limited use over drugs like Valium and Adavan. My question is that since I've never taken Xanax before (pre-pregnancy I took valium to fly), I'm not sure how soon I should take it before my flight and how long it lasts. My prescription is for two .5 mg pills (one for the flight down and one to fly back) Also I'd love to hear positive stories from those who've taken it to fly. Little Freedom: I don't think it takes a week...I only have two pills! :) I'm hoping that an hour before or so will do it but I'm looking for more insight from actual users. Ninja: Get over yourself. Yeah, I'll go smoke a cigarette. Obviously my very professional doctors (in consultation with experts in Boston) have NO IDEA what they are talking about. You must be the expert...I should have called you first apparently. Before you comment you should research the effects of extreme high blood pressure on a fetus during high anxiety events. You will learn very quickly that this is far more dangerous than taking ONE low-dose sedative. But wait, you're the expert so you already knew that right? I've already mentioned this, but this isn't a drug I take or will be taking on a regular basis. It's a one time thing....please keep that it mind when answering. Thanks! AICgoddess I did go to your link and it's the same as to what I've found... "Alprazolam is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details." The key word is "potential". It has not been "shown" to cause harm. The drug has not been tested on pregnant women because it is illegal to test on pregnant women. Also, according to my doctor, the potential harm comes with the developing fetus and I will be well past the stage of organ development and formation. I do appreciate everyone's concern...I really do...but I feel I've made it very clear that this has been researched thoroughly and the question I am asking is not on it's safety. I would not take something that I thought would harm my baby. I'm asking for usage directions.

Demon Doll replied: "I've tried Xanax in the past but it gave me horrible headaches =/ You should consult with your doctor about when the right times to take it would be."

morerowstohoe replied: "I haven't taken it to fly, but the first few times I did take it, I was either totally knocked out or so "mellow" I couldn't have worried about a thing - and I'm a BIG gal! It was the same dosage, too. You do NOT want to taste that pill, though - take my word for it! One of the NASTIEST things I have EVER had in my mouth, and I couldn't get rid of the taste! Ick! Good luck with flight and baby-growing :-)"

LittleFreedom replied: "Xanax, as far as my experience, takes time to get in your system (about a week)... I don't know about right away. Maybe it's different for each person. good luck on your flight and hopefully you'll get something that works for your nerves."

The Ninjalectual replied: "What exactly makes you think that your doctor is actually up to date on the latest drug research? This sounds like completely irresponsible behavior toward your child. I would urge you to reconsider, seeing as there is no research to back this claim--as soon as you eat that pill, YOU are now part of the research. Xanax is a horrible drug. Do yourself a favor and smoke pot, or a ciagrette, instead."

dali333 replied: "first of all...im not so sure that i would take xanax if i were pregnant. but...the choice is yours. xanax is a fast working short term (powerful)anxiety drug. it will start to work within 10 to 15 minutes and will only last about 3 hours. i take xanax and i would say this....bring it with you and if you really feel like you absolutely need it...start out taking only half a dose....wait 15 or 20 minutes, then decide if you need more. best of luck! try to relax.... you will be fine on the flight."

imderanged replied: "I've taken .5's for anxiety before. I'd say it kicks in in about 20 minutes or so? but I'm not sure how long it lasts, because I usally took it before bedtime...I do think I remember being told it metabolizes fairly quickly though. honestly, I don't think the effect is strong enough to make it worth taking the chance. But that's my personal opinion. When I have taken it, it just makes me sleepy and just takes the edge off....but if I go to sleep I always have nightmares, and feel very groggy trying to wake up. Also I seem to notice that the day after I take a pill my anxeity is accually worse and I tend to feel depressed...I have never heard of anyone else complaining of this "rebound anxiety" but it has been enough of a problem for me that I don't use it anymore. I know there are some herbal things for anxiety, but I honestly dont know that much about them. don't assume that because something is herbal it is safe. There are some breathing techniques that work for many many people, and my sugestion would be to work with a councilor on cognitive behavioral therapy or something similar. I know its probably too late for that now for the flight, but soon enough you will have a little baby to care for and if you decided to breast feed you may not want to take drug then either. If you do decide to go drugless on this flight the important thing to remeber is to breathe. pay attention to your breath...I like to try to clear my mind and count my breaths slowly, it helps me to refocus when I have a panic attack."

aicgoddess replied: "ok, first off i do take xanax( .5 mg as well) and it does not take a week to get in ur system like someone else prev posted. I as well was given a Rx for them from my fam Dr for my very first flight from Charlotte NC to Seattle WA..a long first ever plane trip, lol. I took 1 .5mg pill about an hr b4 i got on the plane. Every thing turned out ok. What i am concerned about is the fact that ur Dr is giving u xanax and u r preg. I have a 5 mth old and my fam Dr took me off of them once i became preg and my obgyn said that xanax was a BIG NO for preg women. So i did a lil research on webmd.com and heres the link. But for a 2x deal it my be ok..Good Luck"

longhairbroad replied: "I take a low dose as needed, (if needed) of Xanax. It takes me 40 minutes to kick in and lasts 4 to 5 hrs. I recommend breaking the pill in half and if you still feel anxious by the time you're getting ready to board, you can always take the other half. Happy flying!"

Spacegh()st replied: "I would take the Xanax 30-45 minutes before your flight. You can expect the full effect of the drug to last 2-4 hours, with the calming effects lingering for up to eight hours. Your flight should be a breeze. It may even make you a little sleepy, which is nice when cramped in those tiny airline seats!! Happy flying!"

Fear of Flying ... Medicine? Hi, I have a HUGE fear of flying, I am flying from Philadelphia to Florida this Friday, and have been making myself sick thinking about the flight for weeks. Today I am going to tell my doctor to see if there is something she can give me to help calm me down. I know she's probably going to give me xanax or valium. I just wanted to know how long I am going to be out of it, because it's only a 2.5 hour flight.

Beat the odds replied: "You can't be 'out' during a flight. They'll give you something to relax you and reduce the anxiety levels."

~Young L~ replied: "try not to think about. it dont get a window seat. bring something to watch like a ipod video or something to soothe you"

Lord Rage replied: "flying medicine fears me! When it is time for Ragnarok, no flying medicine will dare fight in loki's army!"

Mmgirl replied: "Make sure you have someone to drive you to the airport and take the pill an hour before you leave. They take about 20 mins to kick in and about 4 hours to wear off. To help you in the future look up the facts about flying. It is the safest way to travel. You have a better chance of dying in a car accident than an airplane crash. It is the taking off and the landing where the plane is venerable. Once you are in the air it is usually pretty safe. Since 9-11 the safety standards have gotten very strict and your fellow passengers have passed vigorous profiling and scans. You are going to make it to your destination and you will be fine. Get all the information and your fear should lighten. If all this doesn't work then stick with the pills because I would not like to fly with a scared crazy person."