Is this a terrible idea

[foxtong]

I have a terrible fear of flying, and I am on a 2.5 hours flight with my 2 dcs in a few days time. I have a (private) prescription for Valium - will this be enough to make me feel zoned out not to care or should I have a drink too?? I know it's a totally irrational phobia but it's getting worse and worse and I feel sick at the thought of it!!

Don't drink with the valium. It should chill you out enough to get you on the plane.

What’s the dose of Valium?!! Totally depends on how strong it is! However if you are not used to taking it even a small dose will probably be enough. I would t drink with it though! Could be dangerous.

Do you know how your body reacts to mixing the Valium and alcohol? How old are your children?

In my personal experience, I used to take Ativan for flying and yes I’d also have a drink. I needed just that little bit extra. But I’ve never done that flying with children and I’d be concerned about being too sleepy if they are small. I also assume you don’t have to drive on the other side?

Fwiw my fear of flying is almost entirely gone now. I started using the same relaxation hypnotherapy techniques I learned for birth. They really helped and now it’s no big deal to fly. May be something to consider.

Just you and the DC? How old are they
?

I have the same issue. I'll have a couple of drinks with 5mg before I board, anf then maybe another 2.5mg during the flight if a long one. but I am not in sole charge of children - if you are then skip the drink as I'm not sure how good I would have been in caring for them by myself, was definitely woozy. Everyone has different tolerance too.

No dh will be there too. No driving at the other end. Dc are 5 and 8. It's the lowest possible dose. I have had it once before when I hurt my back very badly and had muscle spasms, I remember feeling a bit spacey, but have never had a drink with it.

Wouldn't risk it. You don't know how it will affect you.

Seeing as your phobia is so bad and your DH is there I would take it personally.

Take the diazepam but don't have a drink with it. Unless you have built up a tolerance by taking it regularly then a low dose is fine.

Test it out before you go but I'd say taking more Valium is better than adding alcohol surely?

I wouldn’t risk it either. You’ll be high on adrenaline as it is if you hate flying. I would speak to the senior cabin crew member to make them aware of your fear - there’s not a huge amount they can do but perhaps a bit of reassurance from people who fly every day for a living will get you through the flight a bit easier.

Enjoy your holiday :)

Thanks everyone- last time I flew I had a miniature bottle of whisky just before Boarding and that did the trick but that was without the kids and was only a 45 min flight to Belfast!