[brosky117]

I’ve struggled with this for years and missed important events as a result.

I went to the doctor and got a small prescription of anxiety medication and it helped me tremendously. I take a small dose once I get in my seat on the plane.

It doesn’t make me drowsy or feel very different but the extreme levels of terror that I felt before don’t affect me now. I still have to be calm and rational as I’m preparing for my flight but the fear is completely manageable now.

I’ve even taken flights without any medication since and feel so much more at peace. I would have never believed that would be possible before medication.

Your mileage may vary but it has given me my ability (and desire!) to travel back.

[anderber]

Do you happen to remember what medication it was?

[schoen]

I haven't been prescribed medication for fear of flying but the most common options are the families

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blocker

both of which are rather fast-acting and very effective for many cases of acute anxiety and other stress responses. Most mental health professionals and primary care physicians should be familiar with these uses. They may recommend trying out the medication before your trip so that you're familiar with its effects.

The benzodiazepines (such as Valium, which someone else in this thread suggested) can be addictive with frequent use, so it may be preferable to get small-quantity prescriptions occasionally rather than stocking up.