Will the doctor give me something for flying? Navigating Medications for Flight Anxiety

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 25 million Americans experience some degree of flight anxiety. For those with a severe fear of flying, the question often arises: Will the doctor give me something for flying? The answer involves a careful evaluation of potential prescription options, over-the-counter remedies, and non-pharmacological alternatives, always under professional medical guidance.

Quick Summary

Explore the types of prescription and over-the-counter medications that may help with flight anxiety, potential side effects, and effective non-pharmacological coping strategies.

Key Points

Consultation is Crucial: Never take medication for flying without first consulting a doctor to discuss your specific anxiety and health history.
Prescriptions are Situation-Specific: Doctors may prescribe rapid-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) for severe situational anxiety but prioritize safety over sedation.
OTC Options Exist: Over-the-counter antihistamines (like Benadryl) or natural supplements (like melatonin) can offer mild relief but have their own side effects.
Safety Concerns with Sedatives: Prescribed sedatives can impair judgment, increase the risk of DVT, and have unpredictable effects in some individuals.
Alternatives are Effective: Non-medication approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques can provide safe, long-term relief from flight anxiety.
Long-Term Solution Focus: For frequent travelers, a more permanent solution through therapy is often safer and more effective than relying on short-term medication.

For many people, the thought of flying can trigger a significant amount of stress and anxiety, ranging from mild nervousness to full-blown panic attacks. This fear, clinically known as aviophobia, can interfere with travel for business, family, or pleasure. While it is common to seek pharmacological relief, the decision to prescribe medication for flight anxiety is not a simple one and is determined on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider.

The Doctor's Perspective: A Careful Consideration

Healthcare professionals approach the question, "Will the doctor give me something for flying?" with caution, prioritizing patient safety and long-term well-being. Many doctors, including entire medical groups, have formal policies against prescribing sedatives for fear of flying due to significant risks. These concerns include:

Impaired Judgment and Reaction Time: Sedatives slow down brain activity, which can impair a passenger's ability to react effectively in the rare event of an in-flight emergency.
Increased Risk of DVT: The sedative effect can lead to a deeper, more immobile sleep, especially on long flights, which increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—potentially fatal blood clots.
Paradoxical Effects: Some individuals may experience an increase in agitation, aggression, or even confusion instead of the desired calming effect.
Respiratory Depression: At altitude, where oxygen levels are lower, sedatives can cause dangerous respiratory depression, or slowed breathing.

For these reasons, a doctor will evaluate the severity of your anxiety, your overall health, and consider alternatives before recommending medication.

Prescription Medications for Severe Anxiety

For those with severe aviophobia that significantly impairs their ability to travel, a healthcare provider might, after careful consideration, prescribe short-term, rapid-acting medication. This is typically used in conjunction with other coping strategies.

Benzodiazepines

This class of sedative drugs is most commonly prescribed for situational anxiety due to their rapid onset and effectiveness. They work by boosting the calming neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Common examples include:

Alprazolam (Xanax): Known for its fast onset, providing quick relief for panic symptoms during take-off or intense turbulence. Its effects are relatively short-lived (4–6 hours).
Lorazepam (Ativan): Takes slightly longer to work than Xanax but offers a longer duration (up to 8 hours), making it suitable for longer flights.
Diazepam (Valium): A longer-acting option, effective for managing anxiety over the course of longer journeys.

Other Prescription Options

Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol): Prescribed off-label for anxiety, these medications block the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, and trembling, but do not address the emotional or cognitive aspects of fear.
Hydroxyzine: An antihistamine with anti-anxiety properties that can be prescribed for anxiety, particularly if the anticipatory anxiety lasts several days before a flight.

Over-the-Counter Options for Milder Cases

For less severe anxiety, a doctor may suggest exploring over-the-counter options or herbal remedies. Always discuss these with your healthcare provider to avoid potential drug interactions.

Common OTC Sleep Aids

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): An antihistamine that causes drowsiness and can help with occasional sleeplessness. It can cause next-day grogginess and has been shown to impair cognitive performance.
Melatonin: A natural hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is often recommended for jet lag but offers a milder calming effect.

Herbal Supplements

Valerian Root: A natural herb with calming effects, often taken as a supplement or tea to promote relaxation.
Chamomile/Lavender: These are often used in teas or aromatherapy for their soothing properties.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity for its potential calming effects, but efficacy is largely anecdotal, and quality control varies widely. Travelers should be aware of its legal status in both their departure and arrival locations.

Comparison of Anti-Anxiety and Sleep Aids for Flying


Feature	Prescription Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)	Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids (e.g., Benadryl, Melatonin)	Non-Pharmacological Methods (e.g., CBT, Relaxation)
Effectiveness	Strong and fast-acting for severe, acute anxiety and panic attacks.	Milder effect, mainly targeting drowsiness or sleep regulation.	Addresses the root cause of the fear for long-term management.
Duration	4–8 hours, depending on the specific drug.	Varies; many OTC sleep aids are designed for a few hours of sleep.	Continuous, with learned skills that can be used indefinitely.
Side Effects	Drowsiness, impaired judgment, memory issues, risk of DVT, potential for paradoxical effects, addiction potential.	Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, grogginess; melatonin side effects are typically milder.	None; some people may find practicing new techniques challenging initially.
Risks	Significant safety risks, especially when combined with altitude and immobility. Not recommended for frequent flyers due to addiction potential.	Milder risks but can still cause impairment; always avoid mixing with alcohol.	No medical risks; relies on consistent practice and can be enhanced with professional therapy.
Availability	Prescription only; requires consultation with a doctor who must weigh the risks and benefits.	Widely available at drugstores, but should still be discussed with a doctor.	Does not require a prescription; resources available via therapy, apps, and courses.

Non-Pharmacological Alternatives for Flight Anxiety

Medication is not the only, or even the best, solution for many. Addressing the root cause of the anxiety with therapeutic and coping techniques can provide a more sustainable solution.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge the irrational thoughts that fuel your fear of flying. A therapist can help you replace catastrophic thinking with more balanced, fact-based perspectives.
Exposure Therapy: Involves a gradual, controlled exposure to the source of your fear, helping to desensitize your anxiety. This can start with watching videos of planes and progress to visiting an airport or taking a short flight.
Relaxation Techniques: Practicing deep breathing exercises like 'box breathing' or the 4-7-8 method can help regulate your nervous system. Mindfulness and meditation apps can also provide guided exercises for use during a flight.
Grounding Techniques: The '5-4-3-2-1' method engages your senses to pull your focus away from anxious thoughts and ground you in the present moment.
Distraction: Keeping your mind busy with movies, podcasts, or a book can effectively manage anxiety during a flight.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

While a doctor may prescribe a medication for flying, they will first and foremost assess the clinical necessity and consider all associated risks. For most people, short-acting benzodiazepines are the primary prescription option for acute, severe anxiety, but doctors often prefer non-pharmacological treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy for long-term solutions. Over-the-counter options offer milder relief for less severe cases. The best approach is a personalized one, combining medical consultation with a proactive strategy of developing coping skills to manage anxiety effectively before and during a flight.

For more information on managing flight anxiety, consider exploring resources from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is possible to ask, many doctors have strict policies against prescribing benzodiazepines like Xanax for a fear of flying due to significant safety concerns. The doctor will perform a full medical evaluation to determine the most appropriate and safest course of action, which may not include sedatives.

Yes, some over-the-counter options can provide mild relief. This includes sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or natural supplements like melatonin. You should always discuss these with your doctor, as they can cause drowsiness or interact with other medications.

Doctors are concerned about several safety risks, including a sedative's ability to impair judgment and reaction time, an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from prolonged immobility, and potential adverse reactions like agitation or respiratory problems at high altitudes.

For motion sickness, a doctor might recommend an anti-emetic like scopolamine (patch) or an antihistamine like meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Scopolamine is a very effective option for longer journeys.

A benzodiazepine, like Xanax, is a sedative that calms the central nervous system to reduce the emotional and cognitive aspects of anxiety. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, primarily blocks the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, but does not affect the mental aspects of fear.

For many, therapy offers a safer and more effective long-term solution by addressing the root cause of the fear rather than just the symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy teach coping skills and can help rewire your brain's fear response, offering a permanent solution.

Effective non-medication strategies include using relaxation techniques (deep breathing), grounding exercises (the '5-4-3-2-1' method), distracting yourself with movies or music, and educating yourself about aviation safety. For severe cases, consulting a therapist for CBT or exposure therapy is recommended.