[Debbie D]

Hi all,
We're flying to Hawaii in four weeks...I hate, hate hate the flight...so.Anyway, I took an Ambien on the last flight, and I woke up in the middle of the flight feeling like I wanted to jump out of my skin...so anxious that I had to get up and walk around. I do not want to repeat that.
But what drug would help me sit quietly, without anxiety? I feel like I'm going nuts sitting there,and I get so worried about flying over the ocean. My RLS goes crazy, and I just get antsy. Do anxiety drugs take the edge off of that type of feeling?
Any advice would be appreciated. I see the neuro on the 23rd and will ask him for something.
Thanks...

[Dejibo]

Ativan or Xanax are good short term choices. They allow me to stay strapped into the MRI machine, and dont zonk me to the point of not knowing whats going on around me.

Congrats on the trip!

[mrsD]

When I fly....

NO ALCOHOL... that is #1.... Alcohol dilates blood vessels and will make ear fluid pressure problems much worse. ( And these days alcohol is also disinhibiting and creates behavior problems in some people which could lead to your getting on a banned list!) You won't need alcohol for anxiety if you do the next suggestion.

But my best thing to use is Antivert..on RX (which is also called Dramamine II or Bonine OTC). This is long acting, and cuts any dizziness from pressure changes, and is mildly sedating.
Experiment with it at home... sometimes 1/2 of a tablet of Bonine is enough for most people. This drug: meclizine is related to tranquilizers.

When I was younger, I used Sudafed about an hour before takeoff, because my ears used to hurt severely. But the newer planes are much better, and I don't need it anymore ...which is good because this drug is not good for anxiety or high blood pressure people.

I am terrified of flying. But I do it when I have to. In years past I almost ruptured an eardrum! So these suggestions are the result of some very unpleasant flying experiences. (dizziness, nausea, air sickness, panic...you name it).

For anyone with pressure/ear pain/problems... there are special earplugs available called EarPlanes. These are very effective--I've used them--- for take off and landing issues.

[Debbie D]

Thanks...I don't get nauseated or have problems with ear pressure, but my body just does not want to sit still, and my anxiety increases the antsiness...we fly frequent flyer miles, so we're stuck back in economy...I have begged and pleaded DH to get us into 1st class, where there's more room to stretch these very long legs out, but it's no go...

[doydie]

I'd like one of those intercontinental flights that your seat actually folds down flat and you can have a curtain around you.

[SallyC]

Valiummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

[Fogbrain]

With RLS and anxiety combined...probably Xanax or even Klonopin. Don't know how severe your RLS is or if your neuro doc is up to speed with it, but majority of folks I know with RLS (self included) do very well on Klonopin.

I don't fly anymore, but long rides in a bus, train or car I up my dose of Klonopin by about 15 percent to keep the legs mellow and the anxiety well-controlled.

Ambien gives me a negative experience similar to what you described.

Hope you and your doc get it sorted, and you have a good journey.

[Dejibo]

Have a peice of gum in case ear pressure becomes an issue. I find chewing gum helps relieve that quickly.

No matter which drug you chose, get UP once in a while. move your legs! I know you are thinking with RLS you dont have to worry, but its not about wiggling, its about keeping blood flowing. When we sit with our legs kinked for long periods of time we can cut off blood flow or slow it dramatically, and create blood clots.

Even if you sit in your seat and pretend to ride a bike. pump those legs up and down. Get up, use the potty, or just walk the isle for a min. Make sure if you feel you cant/wont do that, that you at least take a short walk around the waiting area, while you wait for your flight. pump those legs.

Im excited for you! have a great time! btw, I agree, NO alcohol! it can take a bad situation and make it worse.

[ewizabeth]

Hi Debbie,

First things first: Will you pleeeeeease take me with you if I wait on you and cook your meals while you're there?

But, I would think Xanax would help. I took it once for a very stressful meeting several years ago and it worked ok. I even requested a very small RX so I wouldn't be tempted to use it for long. I think I had about 7 pills. Dr W might have some alternative suggestions though for something that will work better.

[Debbie D]

Wiz, I will see him in 2 weeks, and will ask him. He knows the boatload of meds I'm on and what will work best.
Sorry, DH wouldn't be too happy with a roommate. Our DD and her DH are coming the last 3 days we're there...it was our gift to them for their wedding.

Dej, I always move my feet every couple of hours while sitting; I roll the ankles, point and flex the feet, try to bring my knees to my chest. I also walk around when possible. The RLS med I'm on is extended release, because the regular meds were not working as long, and I was going crazy with the jerking/moving. It's one of my most frustrating symptoms (besides the pain and stiffness).
I'm kind of worried now that the airlines don't let you walk or go to the bathroom the last hour of the flight. With the incontinence, what if I really have to go?