www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Like many here I've always liked traveling to faraway places. But for whatever reason I have come to dread getting on an airplane in the past few years. No doubt some of you will think I’m a pu*sy but it’s my reality. For me it started after not flying for a period of about five years, before that time I never really thought much about it. I feel severe anxiety during takeoff and a sense of doom during any sort of turbulence. The confinement of the plane and total lack of control of the situation is also an issue I have when flying. I had a particularly bad flight coming back from my first trip to SJ. It was the worst turbulence I have ever experienced.

After that flight I read up on what happens during a flight; about turbulence, take offs, landings and all the rest. I figured having the knowledge would help alleviate my fears. It did help some but I was still left with a serious fear anytime I got on an airplane. Even having a few stiff drinks before a flight wasn't much help.

I made a post about my fear of flying on a travel newsgroup and got all kinds of helpful responses. The best one suggested taking the prescription drug Lorazepam, a member of the Valium family of drugs. This stuff is great! I took one about an hour before boarding and felt no anxiety during takeoff and even the turbulence during descent didn’t seem to bother me much. Some say it makes them feel zoned out and wasted but I only felt calm. I also used it on the flight back home and had no problem with driving home from the airport. Just thought I’d put that out there for those like me who cringe at the thought of getting on a plane.

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"Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!"
Christopher Walken

During a flight from SJO to Liberia on Sansa, the three folks who traveled with me suffered severe anziety and turned green. On the return flight, a particularly turbulent one through very rainy weather, each took a small bit of lorazepam, and wondered what the fuss was all about!

Ciaociao

I had a severe case of anxiety on a 8 hour flight to germany about 7 years. When I sat down in my seat at the back of the plane it hit me and i wanted out but it was too late. when we took off I sat next to the flight attendant and she held my hand saying you can make it. I have never felt this bad in all my life. the only time in my life I wished I was dead. this terrible feeling passed after 4 hours and I was alright but I couldn't shake the awful feeling I had. I bought valium when I got to Italy and felt so much better. this feeling still hits me and comes out of nowhere but I always have my valium with me when I get on an airplane.

I appreciate you guys sharing your anxiety experiences--it can't have been easy. The point of it is, these attacks are irrational and thus can't be rationalized away; you need meds and thankfully they are available. This Thread may persuade others that they aren't crazy, these feelings can come out of nowhere with no previous inkling and there's nothing at all wrong about getting chemical help when you need it. I think it's unmanly to NOT deal with real problems. The only problem, if it is a problem, is, what do you do if you've not had an attack before and you're stuck for X number of hours on this flight? I'd ask every person on the plane if they had such meds and would they please share. Pride has no place in this situation.

ADDED NOTE--In reading about it: (1) There are few side effects, the most notable being disorientation and drowsiness ( not a bad thing, eh?); (2) it takes about an hour to take effect; (3) the most common brand is Ativan; (4) It has a potential to be abused so should be used just when needed; (5) Don't use it or give it if large amounts of alcohol have been ingested--unless you are a fan of being in a coma; (6) It can decrease the libido--a factor in longer term use

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Just dont read the article about the missing plane today (6-1-09)

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"Is it true that everytime a bell rings a tica gets her wings"

Although I am fortunate enough not to suffer anxiety on flights, for years I have been unable to sleep. 18 hours to Bangkok without Ativan and I would get maybe two hours of sleep. Now I get a solid and refreshing 5 or 6 hours. At the beginning, I worried about drooling on someone because it might knock me out but the side affects for me...other than the desired relaxed and sleepy ones...are not that bad.

I also highly recommend the herb kava. I use it recreationaly and for work related anxiety. It works like a charm and does not make me zombie tired like benzoa.
YOu have to get high quality stuff for it to work and take enough of it.

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I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.

Kava?where do you get that?
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still going Strong!

Before going forward with kava use, it'd be wise to read this Wikipedia article. This is not a warning --Wikipedia and the medical community are quite positive about its usage and effects, primarily that it is an anti-anxiety herb that does not disturb mental clarity. Brother HJ is to be applauded for bringing it to our attention:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kava

As to where to get it, a Google search show 9.5 Million hits, many of them from distributors. Hawaii seems to be the premier source point.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

There is a kava bar in south florida that sells it online. Very high quality stuff. I make the traditonal beverage which has been proven to be totally safe. In fact Europe just lifted their ban on it. What happened is that a distributor in Germany used stems and leaves and super concentrated it and it caused liver injuries. The root is the only part used tradionaly and the fijians, vanuatuans and hawaiians use it in huge quantities every night and the only side effect ( with very heavy long term use) is dry skin.
Kava is second only to the opium poppy as an herbal anti-anxiety substance.

_________________
I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.