Valerian root is one such herbal supplement that causes surprisingly strong sedation. It is often referred to as “nature's Xanax” and can have you feeling drowsy in as little as 30 minutes. Native to Asia and Europe, valerian root is one of the most commonly used sleep-promoting herbal supplements.
Pharmacological treatment
These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
1) Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there is an emergency during the flight it may impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and react to the situation.
Try a sleep aid
Over-the-counter options include Dramamine (bonus: it will also help if you have motion sickness), melatonin (a hormone that can help with sleep and prevent jet lag), any antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl), and medicines designed for insomnia, like Unisom or ZzzQuil.
For instance, avoid heavy meals at least two hours before bedtime and double the abstinence time for caffeine. Don't drink alcohol several days before your departure; you need to stay hydrated. Practice light yoga but hold off on heavy exercise several hours before you plan to crawl into bed. Sip chamomile tea.
General Guidance for Taking Diazepam Before a Flight
Therefore, you should take the medication about an hour before you wish for the effects to kick in. For instance, if your flight anxiety begins during boarding, taking Diazepam an hour before boarding might be suitable.
And those who have been through it can attest that there is absolutely nothing worse than waking up with a hangover on a plane. As for taking sleeping pills on a plane, Oexman does not advise it. With pills like Ambien, people may find themselves sleepwalking or acting erratically with no knowledge.
Many pilots are unaware that there are wait times after each use of sedating antihistamines. For cetirizine (Zyrtec®) and levocetirizine (Xyzal®), you should not fly for 48 hours after taking the last dose. For diphenhydramine or doxylamine, you should not fly for 60 hours after taking the last dose.
Natural Remedies. Some people swear by melatonin or magnesium to reduce their anxiety and help them relax for flights.
Valerian, also known as “plant Valium,” is a popular choice as a natural remedy for insomnia or anxiety. In order to ensure patient safety, clinicians need to be knowledgeable about commonly used alternative therapeutic products, their mechanisms of action, and potential pharmacological interactions.
Herbal Alternatives to Xanax
These include feverfew, passionflower, valerian, and lemon balm. These herbal remedies have been used for centuries as sleep aids and to bring about a state of relaxation.
Fear of flying in isolation is not a generalised anxiety disorder. Some people get agitated and aggressive after taking diazepam and similar drugs, and behave in a way that they would not normally, which can pose a risk on the plane. This affects everyone's safety and could get you into trouble with the law.
Many people are afraid of flying in airplanes, but they shouldn't be. Flying is actually one of the safest ways to travel. In fact, when measured per mile, flying is actually farsafer than driving, or travelling by train. Not only is flying the safest mode of transport, but it is also the fastest.
Melatonin is the hormone our body produces to let the brain know it's time to shut down and sleep. Changes to what you're eating and drinking, the stress of travel (or the excitement of what's on tomorrow's itinerary,) and late-night physical activity can all interfere with your natural melatonin production.
Travel anxiety is the fear of visiting an unfamiliar place. It can also involve the stress that comes with planning your travels. Even if you have no history of anxiety, the idea of being outside familiar territory can throw you into panic mode.
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Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and may be used to regulate sleep. Some research shows it may prevent Alzheimer's Disease. Melatonin is approved by the FAA on a case by case basis. Pilots without “sleep disorders” using melatonin must take it daily and the dosage should be 3-5 mg.
Psychiatric Conditions. The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.
Flight anxiety does not come under the remit of General Medical Services as defined in the GP contract and so we are not obliged to prescribe for this. Patients who still wish to take benzodiazepines for flight anxiety are advised to consult with a private GP or travel clinic.