I'm not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.

My doctor prescribed temazepam (generic for Restoril), a close relative of diazepam/Valium, specifically to help me alleviate jet lag on my frequent travels. I have been far, far better off since I started using it. You can ask my coworkers for testimonials.

Ambiem is also wonderful, but it costs about 100 times as much as the generic temapezam. Neither leaves me feeling groggy in the morning.

I recommend that you get some experience with it before such a major trip, ideally on a shorter trip like cross country.

What I have found is that the most important thing is to establish a full night's sleep at the proper night time when I get to my destination. For shorter trips west to east (3 time zones), I will take two capsules (15 mg each) before bedtime the first night and then one the next night. I don't need it for short trips east to west.

For longer trips, I would use two capsules for more than 1 night, then switch to one if I felt like I needed it. It's also good on long plane flights.

I find Ambien to be stronger, which is both good and bad. For travel and jet lag, I think temazepam is just right.

I tried Melatonin for a year of travel but didn't find it effective enough in my case. I would not recommend that approach for someone taking a once-in-a-lifetime (or long while) trip. Fine, if you are a regular traveler and can find out if it works. I have colleagues who use it on 10-12 time zone hops.

I have no trouble sleeping at home and never take it there. The medical data discourages taking it continuously for more than 7-10 days because you could develop trouble falling asleep without it.

Charles


[This message has been edited by LAX UA 1K (edited 01-29-2002).]