Had panic last time on plane. Need to fly soon. Should I?

Question:

Last november as I boarded a plane my heart began to beat fast. I felt uneasy as I sat down. When the plane backed away from the gate, I immediately wanted to escape. I asked that the plane go back to the gate and I got off the plane. Two days later I had a panic attack on the freeway. I have not flown or driven the freeway since. I also cannot ride any vehicle, car, bus or train. I can drive my own car locally. I have a situation where I can get a job in another state. I really need a job. The doctor gave me a low strength xanax (.25mg). I took one and it didn't seem to do much other than make me a little sleepy.
Tomorrow I need to tell the employer definitely whether I will come for the job or not. Should I attempt to fly? The doctor said I could take one pill, wait a half hour and take another if I think I need to. I suspect this dosage will not be enough to stop the panic on the plane. Advice please!

Answers:
I have phobias of a lot of things, I know the feeling. Your is very common, I don't like highways myself and I have panic attacks, I feel like i'm gonna wreck, especially if there's a lot of traffic or when I have to go around big trucks. I will tell you though, DON'T give up on the Xanax, that is the miracle drug for panic attacks, it works wonders on me. When you first start taking them and you're not used to it, it does make you sleepy at first, but once you get used to it then the sleepiness starts to go away unless you take more than needed, your panic attacks will start to go away too and you will feel a lot better. If it works really well for you, your doctor might up your dosage if they feel like it is needed after you get used to the .25mg.

just take the pill and dont worry about heights if it makes u sleepy just relax listen to music and go to sleep

The doctor knows what they are talking about. You have to at least try. Do not let panic keep you from doing something important like getting a job. Please try.

I would go back to the dr and ask for a stronger dosage of the xanax. My doctor started me at .5mg and that slightly calms me. Sometimes I take two of those and that really helps. Tell your dr that the .25mg aren't really helping and that you have serious panic attacks and need something to majorly calm your down. A higher dosage will definately help you, but wait until you get to the airport to take it, you might not be able to drive. But xanax metabolizes fast, so that should be fine.

Hi, I guess you must have made your decision already. If you decided to fly, the the following steps will help control your anxiety and panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really make a difference if you practise often enough (i.e. twice a day). They will also help you sleep better if done at bedtime. You can get free downloads online. E.g.: http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/c...

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Had panic last time on plane. Need to fly soon. Should I?

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