Should You Use Anti-Anxiety Medication for Flying? Here's My Take
Many people seek out a prescription for anti-anxiety medication to use while traveling or during other high-anxiety times. If you’re considering this option, I want to share my personal (and professional) take on it and give you a few things to consider.
IMPORTANT: Deciding to take medication is a personal decision, and this is by no means professional advice. Always consult your doctor or therapist to determine whether medication is right for you.
Understanding Anti-Anxiety Medication
When I talk about anti-anxiety medication, I’m referring to quick-acting medications like Valium, Xanax, or Klonopin. These are different from other anxiety medications such as Zoloft or Prozac, which are SSRIs and not quick-acting. SSRI’s are a great option for daily anxiety or depression management.
Reasons to Consider NOT Using Quick-Acting Medication
While quick-acting anti-anxiety medication can be helpful, there are important reasons to think twice about relying on them for flying:
1. It Won't Resolve Your Fear
Even if the medication helps you to fly, it’s just a band-aid. It doesn’t address the root of the problem or help you learn that flying is safe and that you can handle discomfort. You may end up relying on the medication every time you fly.
2. You May Find You Need It More and More
Because anti-anxiety medication is effective, you might start turning to it during other anxious times instead of learning other coping skills. For many people, anxiety about flying doesn’t just occur on the day of the flight but also in the days and weeks leading up to it, increasing the likelihood of turning to medication.
3. It May Not Be Helpful in an Actual Emergency
These medications can make you drowsy and sleepy. In the event of an actual emergency, your ability to react quickly could be impaired, or it might be difficult for others to wake you.
4. It May Not Be Safe with Other Medications
If you’re taking other medications, you need to ensure that it’s safe to use anti-anxiety medications concurrently. You don’t want to experience a medical emergency while 30,000 feet in the air.
When Medication Might Make Sense
There are situations where taking anti-anxiety medication for flying might make sense. For example, if you have to fly somewhere and have not yet developed the skills or supports to manage your anxiety in other ways, medication can be a temporary solution to help you get through the flight. In such cases, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the best option for you.
If you have been taking medication for flight anxiety or bring it with you “just in case” and wish to fly confidently without it. Then you can create a plan with your provider about decreasing the use of the medication.
What About Other Substances?
Some people turn to cannabis or alcohol instead of medication, but these substances have their own downfalls.
Alcohol
Be cautious with alcohol. It can cause drowsiness, dehydration, and hangovers. You especially don’t want to mix alcohol with anti-anxiety medication. Remember that scene in "Bridesmaids"?
Marijuana or CBD
Marijuana comes in various forms—some make you more stimulated, some sleepy, and some paranoid. If you don’t typically use marijuana, you may not know how it will impact you, potentially increasing your anxiety during the flight.
Conclusion
While quick-acting anti-anxiety medications can be useful in certain situations, they are not a long-term solution for overcoming the fear of flying. They may help you get through a flight, but they don’t address the underlying anxiety. It’s important to consider the potential downsides and explore other coping strategies that can help you manage your fear more effectively.
Remember, it’s about finding what works best for you and making an informed decision. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or substance.
Need More Support With Your Fear of Flying?
If you need more help with flying anxiety, Grab the Free Flight Anxiety Toolkit for my top 12 tips here for more ease on your next flight.