I agree to try whatever you choose, but I would do it well ahead of the trip, not only the day before.

oops i realize dina's good advice could be read two ways-

ONE night ahead of time (i was thinking she meant the very night before your trip)
or
one night AHEAD of time (a night well in advance of your travel)

sorry if I was unclear...
I did mean one night AHEAD of time...

I never put two and two together before, but now that you mention it, I too experienced nightmares while taking ambien for an extended period of time. Now, when I need it, I take only half of a pill. My worst ambien "side effect" is that my memory gets very foggy. Did I already say that? What were we talking about?

An important consideration with alcohol is that it is dehydrating...recent studies have shown that avoiding dehydration is the best way to prevent DVT on long flights..

not to sound flippant, but i find if i am in close proximity to both the wing and the bar cart, my fears are very much alleviated
i am a better flyer than i used to be, but i still get antsy
the ambien will just make you groggy and incoherent--wouldnt' recommend it
just go with 2 tylenol pm--will help you relax but won't "zombie" you
have fun & be safe!

I just got a prescription for Ambien, and the lengthy information from my HMO about the drug specifies that it should not be used when you will be sleeping for less than 8 hours. Good to know--memory lapses can result.

dina's post reminded me in a round-about way, when i find an anti-anxiety or sleep prescription most helpful is for the first few nights after I arrive in Europe to help me get over jet lag and on to local time.

Actually I do tend to get a dry mouth from both ambien and xanax, so I guess they can both be dehydrating. Next time I fly to Europe, maybe I will try not taking any thing. Actually, I am flying to California in a couple of months, and that will make a 10 hour trip! I told my son there that it would be quicker for me to fly to Paris!

You can always try herbal teas--some are very relaxing.