If you have a fear of flying, you’ve probably wondered whether medication might help you get through a flight. It’s a common question, and one worth exploring before you book your next trip.
The short answer is that medication can reduce anxiety symptoms during a flight, but it doesn’t address the underlying fear. Let’s look at what actually works for overcoming aviophobia long-term.
What medications do doctors prescribe for flight anxiety?
GPs most commonly prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam for flight anxiety. These work by slowing down the central nervous system, which can make you feel calmer and drowsier.
Some people are prescribed beta-blockers like propranolol instead. These reduce physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and shaking hands, but don’t directly affect the anxious thoughts themselves.
Antihistamines are occasionally suggested as a milder option because they can cause drowsiness, though they’re not specifically designed for anxiety. One useful side effect with Antihistamines is that they can help prevent travel sickness.
The problems with using medication for flying fear
While medication might seem like a quick fix, there are several significant drawbacks you should know about.
Airlines and cabin crew can refuse you
Taking sedatives before flying can actually put you at risk. If cabin crew suspect you’re heavily sedated, they may refuse to let you board. This is because sedated passengers can’t respond properly to safety instructions or emergencies.
Aviation medical experts also warn that sedatives can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights, as they reduce your natural movement and awareness.
You’re still afraid underneath
Medication masks symptoms rather than resolving the fear. The panic and anxiety are still there, just dulled temporarily. When the medication wears off, you’re back where you started.
This means you need to take tablets every single time you fly. For people who travel regularly, this becomes unsustainable and can lead to dependency issues.
Side effects and interactions
Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness that lasts well beyond your flight, affecting your first day or two of a trip. They can also cause confusion, memory problems, and impaired coordination.
Mixing these medications with alcohol is dangerous, which rules out having a drink on the flight. They can also interact badly with other medications you might be taking.
Increasing tolerance and dependency
Your body builds tolerance to benzodiazepines quickly. What worked for one flight might not be enough for the next. This can lead to people taking higher doses or developing a psychological dependency on the medication.
Many GPs are now reluctant to prescribe these drugs for flying due to guidance from medical bodies about their risks.
What works better than medication?
The most effective approach for flight fear is addressing the root cause rather than just managing symptoms on the day.
Hypnotherapy for aviophobia
Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious patterns that drive your fear response. During sessions, you enter a deeply relaxed state where your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new associations.
Unlike medication, hypnotherapy aims to change your fundamental response to flying. Many clients find that after treatment, they simply don’t feel that surge of panic when they think about boarding a plane.
The process typically takes between two and four sessions. You learn self-hypnosis techniques you can use whenever needed, giving you long-term tools rather than temporary relief.
Sessions cost £90 and are conducted via Zoom, making them easy to fit around work and family commitments.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and challenge the thoughts that fuel your fear. A therapist works with you to examine evidence for and against your anxious predictions, gradually building a more realistic view of flying risks.
This approach requires active engagement and homework between sessions. It’s effective but can take longer than hypnotherapy, often requiring six to twelve sessions.
Gradual exposure
Some programmes use gradual exposure to aviation environments, starting with looking at pictures of planes and eventually progressing to airport visits or even accompanied flights.
This method can work well but requires significant time investment and can be logistically challenging to arrange.
Combining approaches
You don’t necessarily have to choose just one method. Some people use hypnotherapy as their primary treatment while also learning breathing exercises or practising mindfulness.
The key is addressing the fear itself rather than just managing it on flight day. When you’ve actually resolved the underlying anxiety, you won’t need medication as a crutch.
When medication might still have a role
There are some situations where short-term medication use might be appropriate alongside therapy. If you have a non-negotiable flight coming up very soon and haven’t had time to complete treatment, your GP might prescribe something to help you get through it.
But this should be seen as a temporary measure while you work on a proper solution. The goal is to reach a point where you can fly without needing any chemical support.
Moving forward without relying on tablets
If you’ve been using medication to cope with flying, or you’re considering asking your GP for a prescription, it’s worth exploring alternatives first.
Hypnotherapy offers a way to fundamentally change your relationship with flying. Rather than white-knuckling through each flight with pharmaceutical help, you can genuinely feel calm and comfortable in the air.
Many people with severe aviophobia have successfully overcome their fear and now fly regularly for work or holidays without any anxiety at all. The fear feels so real and permanent when you’re in it, but it absolutely can be resolved.
If you have an upcoming holiday or work trip that’s causing you anxiety, starting treatment now gives you the best chance of enjoying your journey rather than just surviving it.