I guess I have a much more understanding doctor then most others on this board. As I hold a prescription for 100 .5 xanax with 5 refills. This is given as a treatment for stress induced muscle spasm. Perhaps I am given this as I never have used any of the refills.<BR> I don't believe it to be too addictive as I have not become addicted to that or any of the pain medication I am forced to take on a daily basis. <BR> I have tried Sonata & Ambien on flights and they have not worked. Xanax works the best of anything I have tried. F.Y.I. Mental Patients are given Benedryl as a sleep agent as it mixes well with phsycotropic medication, but as mentioned it can cause the opposite and wire people

Can one of our nurse/medical posters tell me... what is the difference between Valium and Xanax?<BR><BR>When I asked my doctor, he just said 6 of one, half a dozen of the other (regarding was it addictive, etc.). He prescribes Valium for me.

Thanks to everyone for their input and to the OP for bringing up this subject. I am a very nervous flyer - never was until I hit my mid-20s - and never even thought to ask my doctor for anything to help. I will definitely bring it up with him before my next long flight. Thanks!

Tylenol PM is Benedryl and works by drying you out. It is one of the worst things to take on a plane since jet lag is caused by dehydration, so to be further dehydrated will definitely put you to sleep, but will make you feel worse when you wake up.

More in put, please.

Can someone recommend something I can buy Over-The-Counter? Thanks

"Simply Sleep" is over the counter, but is the sleep-agent in Tylenol PM, without the painkiller addition. So if 'Benedryl' types don't help or stimulate instead, SS probably won't be any better.<BR>We will use Sonata this time to assist in getting some sleep - I tried one over a weekend with no ill effects. It is for a shorter term (3-4 hrs) but it is prescription.

This is such an interesting thread for me because it really shows the misunderstanding and fear many folks have of sedatives and anti depressants. These same folks would have no trouble taking a medication to reduce blood pressure or cholesterol, and yet there's almost a sense of guilt if you ask your doc for something to sleep on a plane! It also demonstrates how each person reacts differently to different meds and the wisdom of taking a test run before your trip. So, answer is whatever is best for you determined by you and your physician. The difference primarily between xanax and valium is half life of action. They are both classified as benzodiazepines--a class of drugs which include Halcion, Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonipin etc. Each has its own quirky little effects. For example, Valium is one of the best skeletal muscle relaxants around and Klonipin while having the longest half life, is the easiest to get off of after an extended course of therapy. Halcion, the travel wonder drug of about 10 years ago, is now not recommended for elderly patients. If you cannot be comfortable on a plane because of fear of flying, these are the drugs your doc most likely will prescribe. If you are OK with flying, most likely he/she will prescribe a sedative (sleeping pill) which probably would be Sonata or Ambien. These do not reduce anxiety, just put you to sleep. Again, each person reacts differently to each drug and it's important to do a test run. Over the counter meds are based on a side effect of benadryl which is drowsiness, but as stated above that can backfire and give you exactly the opposite reaction. This is especially true in young children. The half life of Benadryl is quite long leaving most folks feeling quite hungover after their flight. There are many claims for other things such as Melatonin, but it's never worked for me. I cannot emphasize enough that you need to work with your doc, and that you should avoid alcohol and caffeine on the plane. Alcohol is initially relaxing and might make you drowsy but there is often a rebound effect a couple hours later or depression when you arrive. All of these drugs have a place in therapy, the trick is finding the one that's right for your own body and only you and your doc can decide that. I think generally I agree with the other nurse who posted that xanax, ativan or valium would be the best choices, however, I travel a lot and I take Ambien. Everyone is different! And, if your family member is not satisfied by the answer or attention given by her doctor, get another doctor. They are doctors because they are committed to helping people in need.

topping for Karen

ttt

An ill-informed question...is it safe to take a xanax for the anxitey aspect and also an ambien to help me sleep? Will call my Doc tomorrow but figured you guys would be faster!<BR>

just type xanax into your search engine and you can get all the info from the drug company. you are not supposed to take xanax with any sedatives or alchohol.

Why not try meditation or relaxation techniques rather than popping pills?<BR><BR>If fear of flying is the problem, try this fantastic web site: www.fearofflyinghelp.com. It's wonderful, free, and cured my flying phobia. <BR><BR>Sometimes it can be so much more worthwhile treating the root cause rather than the symptoms. <BR><BR>Take it from someone who used to start hyperventilating every time I got near an aeroplane.