Fear of flying

I've suffered from fear of flying for many years, sometimes severely so.  Now, after a fear of flying course + relaxation exercises etc, it's much more controllable.  However, I'm facing a long-haul flight and wonder what medication you advise to cope with anxiety over a period of 12 hrs or so (I like to be able to drink a glass or two of wine during the flight).  

Because of the severity of the anxiety I feel, I have found in the past that I have needed to take a lot of medication for it to have any effect.  Valium is partly helpful, although I find doesn't eliminate the anxiety - simply distances it somewhat.  I also find alcohol effective, but again have to drink large quantities to get rid of the panic/anxiety (although I am not normally a heavy drinker at all!)

Are there any new forms of medication or what would you suggest?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

        The simplest thing that you can do for  fear of flying is to
use one of the benzodiazapines(BNZ) that  are a bit newer and have a more
specific antipanic effect.  You could try either klonapin or xanax.  klonapin
is a bit longer acting  but more sedating; you might get by on one or two
doses of one to two mgs. xanax is shorter acting , requiring two or three
doses, probably of one or two mgs each. since everyone reacts differently to
meds you should get a small test prescription from your md and try them out in
a stress provoking  situation first.