Available Medications to Take for Fear of Flying

Phobia refers to an overwhelming fear of a certain object or situation. In fact, a fear of flying is classified as a specific phobia. Symptoms associated with this phobia include anxiety, fear, sweating, trouble breathing and a rapid heartbeat, the Mayo Clinic says 1. Fortunately, some prescription drugs can help you manage your fear of flying.

Lorazepam

Lorazepam, commonly sold as Ativan, acts as an anti-anxiety medication that can quell the fear of flying 2. It is a tablet or liquid taken daily as needed or as prescribed. Drugs.com says lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that balances brain chemicals in the brain 23. Lorazepam's less serious side effects can include difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea and constipation 2. Additional side effects can include blurry vision, muscle weakness and a lack of balance or difficulty concentrating. In some instances, lorazepam leads to amnesia, appetite changes and a skin rash 2. Consult a physician when lorazepam's less serious effects last for a week 2. Lorazepam's serious side effects can include confusion, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and fainting 2. Additional effects can include depression, agitation, hostility and light-headedness. Call a physician immediately if lorazepam leads to these effects 2. Glaucoma, asthma, kidney or liver disease, depression or drug or alcohol addiction could require a decrease in dosage.

Diazepam

Diazepam, commonly sold as Valium, acts as a sedative medication to decrease anxiety. It also acts as a benzodiazepine medication to balance brain chemicals. Diazepam is a tablet taken daily as needed or as prescribed. Drugs.com says less serious side effects can include:

• headaches
  
• memory problems
  
• a skin rash
  
• dry mouth
  
• trouble sleeping
  
• blurry vision 23

Additional effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea and a decrease in sex drive. Consult a physician if diazepam's less serious effects last longer than one week. Serious side effects can include confusion, hyperactivity, hallucinations, tremors, muscle twitching, double vision or hostility. Additional effects can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, shallow breathing or suicidal thoughts. Go to a hospital's emergency room if diazepam's serious effects develop. A reduction in dosage could be required if you have glaucoma, epilepsy, a seizure disorder, mental illness or suicidal thoughts.

Chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide, commonly sold as Librium or Limbitrol, also can reduce anxiety so you can manage the fear of flying, according to MedlinePlus 4. It is a capsule or tablet taken one to four times daily. Common side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, appetite changes, diarrhea or stomach problems. Consult a doctor if common side effects last more than six days. Serious side effects can include:

• an irregular heartbeat
  
• a shuffling type of walk
  
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
  
• trouble breathing or swallowing
  
• a fever for a fine hand tremor

Call a doctor immediately if chlordiazepoxide leads to these effects 4. Taking chlordiazepoxide with other medications, such as cimetidine, theophylline, probenacid, metoprolol or valproic acid, could lead to increased drowsiness 4.