I have really bad panic attacks whenever I have to travel via planes. My doctor prescribed xanax 0.5m and said to take 1 30 min before my flight and then 1 every 4 hrs. I of course had friends and family saying that I should take half of 1, others say half of a half, so I thought I'd try half of one the other night just to see how out of it I would be. Nothing happened, so I took the other half 4 hrs later and still nothing. The next day I took 1 whole pill and still nothing. Does xanax only work if you're actually having a panic attack? My sister said I drink lots of coffee and soda and caffeine probably reduces the effects of the drug. Im really feeling anxious about this since my flight is for next Friday the 12th of Nov 2010. Any ideas?
Does caffeine lessen the effects of xanax? I've been prescribed .05m, took 1 but it didn't help?
Question posted by mcaruthers21 on 5 Nov 2010
Last updated on 15 September 2016
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Answers
Hi mcarthurers,
Yeah, don't consume caffeine when you think you may need the Xanax.
It will increase the chances of a panic attack, and negate the effects of the Xanax. Perhaps you should call your doctor to see if you should be at one miligram? Just a thought.
Best wishes,
sweetlemon
I agree. It def could be the caffeine interfering with the xanax. Try to keep away from the coffee before the flight. Good luck to you and be safe.
chris
I suffer from GAD and panic attacks, the first thing my therapist told me was to quit the caffine and sugar. It's hard to do, just cut back at first so you don't get headaches. But, before the flight I wouldn't have any caffine, it's better to treat a headache than a full blown panic attack!! Just remember to Breathe, deep relaxing breathes, remind yourself that the trip will soon be over!! Good Luck, Sweetpea
thanks for the advice. I'll try it.
Hi mcarthureres, just echoing what the others have said, probably lay off the cafeine and see if your doc agrees to take 1mg xanax..am no good at flying myself so totally understand and maybe have a sneaky drink if it helps depending on how long the flight is. ! let us know how u go !
good luck
Don't drink ANY energy drinks.
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xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, caffeine
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