Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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waiting4thesun 12/06/2011

I'm going on vacation this Sunday . I have to take a 4 hour flight with a layover in between. I'm already freaking ok. I hate the thought of being trapped. Ugh. I've taken lorazapam in the past for panic attacks .5 mgs. Thinking I should take 2 before the flight. Any words of encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated.

deleted_user 12/06/2011

I have anxiety disorder which causes panic attacks all the time. I take xanax. I went ten years without getting on a plane because driving was hard enough. I hate not being in control and I always need to know if something happens to me someone can help. I had to fly last year and I took my meds before I got on the plane and tried not to sleep very much the night before so I would be exhausted and pass out. It worked. I made it to and from just fine with no attack. My advice...take your meds, be sleepy, grab a steamed milk with any flavor you like from the starbucks in the airport and if you have one, take a laptop on the plane so you can log in and talk it through if you need to. They have wifi. Enjoy your vacation....youll do great

anxietymc 12/06/2011

try not tosit by the window if you think it will help, then it should just feel like you are sitting in a lobby or something.

Bring a good book or a good collection of music to listen to help you relax.

If you are afraid you will be nauseous, purchase some Dramamine from walgreens or cvs to help prevent motion sickness.

Make friends with the stewards/stewardesses, they are a huge comfort sometimes. Make friends with the people sitting near you, you'd be surprised how much people love to chat with eachother on the plane to pass the time.

Bring ear plugs and chewing gum to help with ear popping from takeoff and landing.

Personally...I like to read books and take naps when on a plane. When you wake up, you are already at your destination! lol.

No worries, planes are actually the safest (and fastest) mode of transportation.

harry3333 12/14/2011

take a larger dose before and during

breathe deep and slow, accept any anxiety, dont tense up or fight back

Impylaurie 12/19/2011

I also have a fear of flying and it is the not being in control I do not like. I work for a dentist and when patients are extremely fearful what they are told to do is take one pill the night before and one I hr before the appointment. If I was going to fly I would take a higher dose.

deleted_user 12/20/2011

how did it go? i myself have to fly on the 29th

waiting4thesun 12/21/2011

It wa fine. Thank you everyone for your posts. It's the anticipation that gets me. I took one pill in the morning to relax a little. Then I took a half a pill right. Score I got on. I was nervous but once I was in the air I was fine. Damn anticipatory anxiety!!! I wish you the best on your flight I'm certain it will be just fine.

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