What Medication Is Used to Stay Calm on a Plane for Smoother Travels?

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

Studies suggest that up to 40% of people experience some fear of flying [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. For those with significant flight anxiety, the question of what medication is used to stay calm on a plane is a critical one, with various options available to make air travel more manageable.

Quick Summary

For travelers with aviophobia, several medications can help manage anxiety. Options range from fast-acting prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and beta-blockers to over-the-counter antihistamines and natural supplements.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor: Always seek medical advice before using any medication for flight anxiety to ensure it's safe for you [1.4.1].
Benzodiazepines Are Potent but Risky: Drugs like Xanax and Ativan are effective for severe anxiety but carry a high risk of dependence and side effects like drowsiness and impaired judgment [1.4.1, 1.8.1].
Beta-Blockers Target Physical Symptoms: Medications like Propranolol can calm a racing heart and shaking without causing mental fogginess, but they don't address psychological worry [1.5.1, 1.9.2].
OTC Options Are Milder: Antihistamines like Benadryl or Dramamine can cause drowsiness, which may help some people, but they aren't a true anxiety treatment and have side effects [1.6.1].
Medication Is a Temporary Fix: Medications are best used as a short-term solution; they don't treat the underlying cause of aviophobia [1.3.1].
Therapy Offers a Long-Term Solution: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are highly effective at treating the root cause of flight phobias [1.10.2].
Avoid Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with anti-anxiety medications is dangerous and can lead to over-sedation and other health risks [1.6.2].

Understanding Flight Anxiety and Medication

A fear of flying, or aviophobia, affects a significant portion of the population, with some estimates suggesting as many as 40% of people have some level of flight-related anxiety [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. This fear can range from mild nervousness to a debilitating phobia that interferes with personal and professional life [1.2.1]. For those who experience intense distress, medication can be a valuable tool. However, it's crucial to approach this option with caution and always under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as many of these drugs have significant side effects and risks [1.4.1].

A Word of Caution

Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any new medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter. A doctor can assess your health history, the severity of your anxiety, and help you choose the safest and most effective option. They will discuss dosage, timing, and potential interactions with other substances like alcohol, which should not be mixed with these medications [1.6.2]. Many physicians also advise testing a medication at home before your flight to understand how your body reacts [1.6.2].

Prescription Medications for Flight Anxiety

When anxiety is severe, doctors may prescribe medication for situational use. The most common classes are benzodiazepines and beta-blockers [1.3.1].

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, often called "benzos," are central nervous system depressants that work by boosting the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which promotes relaxation and sedation [1.4.1]. They are very effective and fast-acting, making them a common choice for acute anxiety [1.3.2].

Common Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium), and Clonazepam (Klonopin) [1.3.1, 1.4.1].
How They Help: They quickly relieve both the psychological feelings of worry and the physical symptoms like a racing heart [1.3.2]. A typical dose is taken 30-60 minutes before a flight [1.3.4].
Potential Downsides: Benzodiazepines are controlled substances with a high potential for dependence, addiction, and misuse [1.4.1]. They can cause significant drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination and judgment [1.8.1]. This reduced responsiveness can be dangerous in an emergency [1.4.3]. Some doctors and health systems are increasingly reluctant to prescribe them for fear of flying due to risks like an increased chance of blood clots (DVT) from unnatural sleep, and the fact that they are illegal in some countries [1.4.3, 1.4.4].

Beta-Blockers

Typically used for heart conditions like high blood pressure, beta-blockers are also prescribed "off-label" for situational anxiety [1.5.1]. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, the "fight-or-flight" hormone [1.5.2].

Common Examples: Propranolol and Atenolol [1.5.1, 1.9.1].
How They Help: Beta-blockers are particularly effective at managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, shaking, sweating, and trembling [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. They do not have the sedative or cognitive-impairing effects of benzodiazepines, which allows users to remain mentally sharp [1.9.2].
Potential Downsides: They don't address the psychological or emotional aspects of anxiety—you might still feel worried, even if your body is calm [1.5.1]. Side effects can include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea [1.9.1]. They are best for those whose anxiety manifests primarily through physical symptoms [1.5.1].

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Other Options

For milder anxiety, some non-prescription options may provide relief. Their efficacy can be anecdotal and varies widely among individuals [1.6.5].

Antihistamines

Certain antihistamines are known for their sedative properties and are sometimes used to ease anxiety and promote sleep during a flight [1.3.3].

Common Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) [1.3.3]. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is FDA-approved for anxiety but requires a prescription [1.6.5].
How They Help: They primarily cause drowsiness, which can help a nervous flyer relax or sleep [1.6.1]. Dramamine also helps with motion sickness [1.6.2].
Potential Downsides: These medications don't treat the root cause of anxiety and can cause significant drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness [1.6.1]. In some individuals, particularly children and older adults, they can have a paradoxical effect, causing agitation instead of sedation [1.8.2].

Natural Supplements

Some travelers turn to natural remedies, though scientific backing can be limited.

Melatonin: A hormone that regulates sleep, it can help you sleep on the plane and potentially reduce jet lag [1.6.2].
Magnesium: Early research suggests this mineral may help reduce anxiety [1.6.2].
Herbal Options: Supplements like Valerian root, chamomile, and L-theanine (found in green tea) are known for their calming properties [1.3.3, 1.6.3].

Comparison of Flight Anxiety Medications


Medication Type	How It Works	Primary Effect	Key Benefits	Major Risks & Side Effects
Benzodiazepines	Enhances GABA to slow brain activity [1.4.1]	Sedative, Anti-Anxiety	Fast-acting, reduces psychological and physical symptoms [1.3.2]	High risk of dependence, drowsiness, impaired judgment, memory issues, potential for aggression [1.8.1, 1.4.3]
Beta-Blockers	Blocks adrenaline's effects on the body [1.5.2]	Physical Symptom Control	Reduces heart rate, shaking, sweating without mental fog [1.9.2]	Doesn't affect psychological worry; can cause fatigue, dizziness [1.5.1, 1.9.1]
Antihistamines	Blocks histamine receptors in the brain [1.6.1]	Sedative	Easily accessible (OTC), promotes sleep [1.3.3]	Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness; may not be effective for true anxiety; paradoxical agitation [1.6.1, 1.8.2]

Non-Medication Alternatives are Key

Medication is often seen as a temporary solution or a "band-aid" [1.3.1]. For long-term management of aviophobia, experts strongly recommend non-pharmacological approaches. These methods address the root cause of the fear rather than just masking the symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A highly effective therapy that helps individuals identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their fear [1.10.2].
Exposure Therapy: This can involve gradually exposing a person to the flying experience, sometimes using virtual reality, to desensitize them to the fear [1.10.4].
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Simple methods like deep diaphragmatic breathing or the "5-4-3-2-1" grounding technique (naming things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste) can calm the nervous system during a flight [1.7.3].
Distraction: Engaging your mind with a captivating book, movie, podcast, or music can be a powerful way to keep anxious thoughts at bay [1.10.2].
Preparation: Familiarizing yourself with the sounds and sensations of a normal flight, choosing an aisle seat if you feel claustrophobic, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before flying can also help [1.7.4, 1.10.2].

Conclusion

Deciding what medication is used to stay calm on a plane involves a careful conversation with a healthcare provider. While prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and beta-blockers can be effective for severe, situational anxiety, they come with significant risks. Over-the-counter options like antihistamines may offer mild relief for some. Ultimately, medication should be considered one part of a broader strategy that ideally includes long-term, non-pharmacological solutions like therapy and coping techniques to conquer the fear of flying for good.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication or treatment.

Find a Mental Health Professional via the American Psychological Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most commonly prescribed medications for acute flight anxiety due to their fast-acting, sedative effects [1.3.1].

Yes, some people use over-the-counter antihistamines with sedative properties, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), for mild anxiety or to help them sleep on a plane [1.3.3]. However, their effectiveness varies and they can cause significant drowsiness [1.6.1].

Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are a non-drowsy prescription option. They work by controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety like a rapid heartbeat and trembling, without affecting mental clarity [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

No, it is not safe. Mixing alcohol with anti-anxiety medications, especially benzodiazepines, can dangerously increase their sedative effects, impair breathing, and lead to over-sedation [1.6.2].

This depends on the medication. Fast-acting benzodiazepines like Xanax are typically taken 30 to 60 minutes before the flight [1.3.4]. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.

Yes, many non-medication strategies can help. These include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, distraction techniques (like watching a movie or listening to music), and avoiding caffeine [1.7.2, 1.7.3]. Natural supplements like melatonin or magnesium may also help, but you should discuss them with your doctor first [1.6.2].

The most effective long-term solutions are therapies that address the root cause of the phobia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure therapy are considered the most successful treatments for conquering aviophobia permanently [1.10.2, 1.10.4].