Need advice from people who've used Xanax and/or beta-blockers.

[Bulmers]

I will be flying on thursday and I'd rather stick pins in my eyes - I'm terrified of it!
Normally I get rat-arsed and that keeps me happy but this is such a long journey I will have the mother f*er of all hangovers if I try.

The doc has prescribed Xanax and beta-blockers. He said to start the BB's a couple of days before travel and to take the Xanax twice every day.

Now if he wants me to start BB's before I go I'm, assuming I will be able to function/drive etc. If this is the case, I can't see how it will make me un-scared on the plane.
Does anyone have any experience of how these pills work or ow they make you feel please?

Beta blockers won't make you feel any different at all. They stop your heart racing, which in turn stops many of the symptoms of panic such as hyperventilating/sweating. That's how they work, they trick your mind into feeling more relaxed because you're not having the physical effects of panic.

Just to add, beta blockers are often prescribed for people very nervous of their driving test, so don't worry about driving!

Thanks Ladies. Are they likely to stop the stomach-churning fear I feel whenever the plane hits a bump?
And what about alcohol, must I avoid?

Thanks...

They might not stop the immediate fear of turbulence but they will stop it turning into a long drawn out thing (body will not respond as it usually does to the fear stimuli). Drinking is ok on beta blockers - it's probably not a good idea to get completely shitfaced, but when is that ever a good idea?

Thank you, thank you!

I thought that if the pills didn't work then Plan b (alcohol) would already be ruled out. At least I can still have a glass of wine with my meal without worrying too much.
I'll see how I go on Thursday. If it doesn't work on the way out I can revert to type on the way back

Hi

How did it go? Am in the same boat! Have pm'ed you bulmers