From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL STUDIES Anxiety Disorders Alprazolam tablets were compared to placebo in double blind clinical studies (doses up to 4 mg/day) in patients with a diagnosis of anxiety or anxiety with associated depressive symptomatology
Panic Disorder Support for the effectiveness of alprazolam tablets in the treatment of panic disorder came from three short-term, placebo-controlled studies (up to 10 weeks) in patients with diagnoses closely corresponding to DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder
The best benzo to use for flight anxiety is not directly stated in the provided drug labels. However, alprazolam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorder and panic disorder, which may be relevant to flight anxiety.
- Key points:
- Alprazolam has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in clinical studies 1 1.
- The drug labels do not specifically address flight anxiety, but alprazolam may be considered for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as flight anxiety may require a comprehensive approach beyond medication alone.
From the Research
For flight anxiety, clonazepam is likely the best benzodiazepine option due to its efficacy and superior safety profile compared to other benzodiazepines, as evidenced by a multicenter naturalistic study 2. When considering benzodiazepines for flight anxiety, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks. Clonazepam has been shown to be as efficacious as other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and lorazepam, in treating anxiety disorders 2. Moreover, clonazepam has a lower incidence of side effects compared to other benzodiazepines, making it a safer choice 2. Some key points to consider when using benzodiazepines for flight anxiety include:
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before using any benzodiazepine, as they can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and may interact with alcohol and other medications.
- Trying the medication before the trip to understand how it affects you.
- Considering non-medication approaches like deep breathing exercises, distraction techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy as complementary or alternative strategies for managing flight anxiety. It's also important to note that alprazolam, which is often considered for anxiety, may not be the best choice for flight anxiety due to its potential to increase physiological activation under acute stress conditions and hinder therapeutic effects of exposure in flying phobia 3.