Re: Diazepam 2mg for flying?
I have been using diazepam to fly for a couple of years now. I absolutely hate flying and have had several panic attacks on planes. I'm also slightly claustrophobic/agoraphobic, in that I feel that the panic will only subside if I can get off the plane.
I have tried taking 3 lots of 2mg within an hour, and I've tried taking 2 x 2mg when I get on the plane, and everything in between - with varying affects. A lot of it depends on how you feel on the day. I have zoned out through nasty turbulence and I've unfortunately panicked as well.
I would take the first 2mg as soon as you start to feel the anxious. That could be the night before, it could be when you get up, it could be en route to the airport, it's likely to change each time you fly anyway! The key is not to let it build up in the first place. I can't stress that enough. In the summer I flew from a local airport, and didn't leave enough time to take the tablets, and ended up in a bit of a state!!!
How long it takes to work depends on what you have eaten in my experience. Empty stomach = 20mins ish.
On the whole, where I haven't messed it up due to rubbish planning, I've had many good flights. I've been relaxed, and got through some rough weather, terrible landings and not really been bothered I have also been nervous during take off and worried that the tablets haven't worked, yet once we've been up I've felt great.
The other thing you could do is consider some coping techniques, so plan what you will do if you start to feel less good. (Which shouldn't happen, but b est to be prepared because there's no getting off once you get on!)
For me I get my boyfriend to give me complex and/or random subjects which I must speak about for one minute, and then it switches to something else. (I've had everything from what causes tornadoes to the birth of the solar system!) Any sort of distraction technique will be good.
Also, ensure you're well hydrated and avoid booze!
If you are feeling anxious talk to the staff. They're pretty well equipped to deal with this sort of thing, they see it all the time.
Btw Greece is fantastic, so many lovely islands. You'll have a great time
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the only thing to fear is fear itself