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Non-sedative drugs that may address fear-of-flying
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Non-sedative drugs that may address fear-of-flying
by Mike, Mar 30, 2000 12:00AM
I have to to fly for business, and in general love to travel, so I do much flying. But since approx. the age of 25 I have been a fearful flyer. I am now 45. I have taken a fear of flying class, and read much about the phobia. I muster all the courage I can and do continue to fly.
As I get older I've noticed that the fear/anxiety I experience in the air really exhausts me. For example, I know my pulse is above 80-100/min when flying, and much higher if there's turbulence or other rough weather. I also notice that it takes a number hours after landing to sort of "come down" from all the anxiety, so getting to sleep readily after a flight can be difficult. And generally, my body just feels spent afterwards. I also have fears that as I get older, I run the risk of a heart attack while flying.
I will continue to fly, as I don't want to be "ruled" by this phobia and need/want to travel, as I first mentioned, but I'm wondering what I can do to help lower the negative physical effects. I've addressed this phobia actively over the years and so I do use breathing exercises, meditation, visualization -- all the behavioral types of adjustments to alleviate the fear, but I am curious if there are non-sedative drugs to help. I don't want to take something like Valium and just be a zombie when travelling, but I would like something that safely helps to control my run-away heartrate, for example. As an example, I have a musician friend who takes Inderol (sp?) before performances and claims it helps address a run-away heartrate due to performance anxiety.
Thanks for any advice and recommendations you might have. If you have a specific recommendation I will discuss it with my family doctor, with whom I plan to have this same discussion at my next visit.
--Mike
As I get older I've noticed that the fear/anxiety I experience in the air really exhausts me. For example, I know my pulse is above 80-100/min when flying, and much higher if there's turbulence or other rough weather. I also notice that it takes a number hours after landing to sort of "come down" from all the anxiety, so getting to sleep readily after a flight can be difficult. And generally, my body just feels spent afterwards. I also have fears that as I get older, I run the risk of a heart attack while flying.
I will continue to fly, as I don't want to be "ruled" by this phobia and need/want to travel, as I first mentioned, but I'm wondering what I can do to help lower the negative physical effects. I've addressed this phobia actively over the years and so I do use breathing exercises, meditation, visualization -- all the behavioral types of adjustments to alleviate the fear, but I am curious if there are non-sedative drugs to help. I don't want to take something like Valium and just be a zombie when travelling, but I would like something that safely helps to control my run-away heartrate, for example. As an example, I have a musician friend who takes Inderol (sp?) before performances and claims it helps address a run-away heartrate due to performance anxiety.
Thanks for any advice and recommendations you might have. If you have a specific recommendation I will discuss it with my family doctor, with whom I plan to have this same discussion at my next visit.
--Mike
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, Mar 30, 2000 12:00AM
Inderal is commonly used for performance anxiety. Its rationale is to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety - increase in heart rate, sweating, etc. It has not shown its effectiveness in panic attacks or panic disoders.
Antianxiety medications like benzodiazepines (valium, ativan)has drowsiness as one of their major side effects. However, you may consider a short-acting medication like ativan or klonopin to treat your anxiety. But you must take caution as you stated you are flying.
Other medications that has shown for its effectiveness for anxiety disorders are paxil , zoloft, prozac, luvox. these medications are taken daily and results are apparent between 2-4 weeks of use.
A consult with a psychiatrist may offer you the adequate medication for your condition.
Antianxiety medications like benzodiazepines (valium, ativan)has drowsiness as one of their major side effects. However, you may consider a short-acting medication like ativan or klonopin to treat your anxiety. But you must take caution as you stated you are flying.
Other medications that has shown for its effectiveness for anxiety disorders are paxil , zoloft, prozac, luvox. these medications are taken daily and results are apparent between 2-4 weeks of use.
A consult with a psychiatrist may offer you the adequate medication for your condition.
