TCove

I know what you're thinking....but no, it's not about that.

I will be taking several LAX or SFO flights over the next few months, to PER. I'm wondering if there's any medications any of you would suggest, to make the flight over the water seem shorter.

I'd love to sleep that long flight away, but I have great difficulty sleeping on planes. Excedrin PM makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and puts me to sleep, but it really hangs on for the next day or two, and I don't want to be drowsey that long afterwards.

I do not drink alcohol when I fly.

Any suggestions?

sonofzeus

look at the label and buy the two components separately; experiment with the dosage of the antihistamine; you have no idea what I'm thinking...

Policypeddler

Ask your doctor for a Rx of Ambien (Zolpedim is generic and cheap). Mine are 10mg I think. Try 1/2 pill at home, try a whole pill at home. When on the flight take the dosage you've tried at home. Do NOT get the pills, get on the flight and take them for the 1st time.

sonofzeus

Let's start OP with an OTC strategy before introducing him to the hardcore hypnotics. @:-)

briannaherrfnerr

i agree with the previous poster -- try at home first before doing it on the plane!

i've used these OTC and they all worked to some degree:
- melatonin
- l-tryptophan
- valerian root
- tylenol PM (it's just tylenol with benadryl). this one works MUCH better if you take it with a shot of vodka.

Rx-wise i hate Ambien because i'm asleep but i awaken feeling entirely un-rested.

All that said, my go-to at this point is a Xanax and a glass of wine.

YMMV

pinworm

Any short or medium acting Benzodiazepine...it's a broad range of drug but is is all essentially valium. Also known as Lorazepam, Triazolam, Clonopin, Xanax, Diazepam, Bromazepam, Mitazolam, Alprozolam, etc. You need an RX. They work VERY well. They have all the properties you need for a good long flight. They reduce stress, anxiety, they initiate amnesia so the flight seems very short subjectively, and they make it easy to sleep..and because they are short acting by the time the flight is over, the effects are all gone. Short acting ones cycle for about 3 hours. Mids for about 6. No grogginess.

On my last transat from LAX to LHR (11.5hrs) I took two Lorazepams about 2 hours into the flight. When I woke up, there was about 2 hours left. Im sure I was they only one feeling fresh when I walked off that plane!

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WITH BENZOS!!! EVER!! Seriously. It' dangerous.

For an OTC benzo..(non-regulated in the US, Canada or UK and most of Europe) you have two options: Phenazepam and Etizolam. Technically, Etizolam is not legally considered a benzo beacuse it has a slightly different molecular structure (theopine ring) and therefore you are allowed to have it without an Rx..but it has the same effects with slightly more euphoria and less sedation. Like the other benzos it works on the GABA system in the brain. It is also short acting. Order it online from a reputable source and wait about 28 days for it to arrive.

Phenazepam is probably something you want to avoid. It is an old Soviet era benzo. It is not controlled in the US. The UK bans importation of it, but not posession. 1 mg of Phenazepam is equal to 10 mg of Diazepam. Phenazepam rarely comes in a pill form, but in a powder or liquid which makes it hard to dose properly. Because a little goes a long way, this is dangerous. It has all the standard benzo effects, but less euphoria and more physical sedation. It is "long acting" which means about 8 hours or more and there is a reported day long hang-on effect. Also to be ordered online from a reputable source.

All benzos are addictive, FYI. But not for the short times you will take them for a flight.

Non Benzo OTC's to consider are benadryl, dramamine (old formula, not the non-drowsy) and sleep ez D. Anything with dimenhydrinate or dipenhydramine. It will also knock you out, but you will be groggy afterwards and may have unwanted side effects later such as diarrhea. On the upside, they are legal and prevent airsickness too.

Polar Man

The OP is heading to Perth. The Australians are very picky about perscription sleep aids.

sonofzeus

They work great for me and I experience NONE of these side effects.

aroundtheworld76

Yes. Call your health care provider. While people helpfully suggest what works for them, it may not be appropriate for you. None of us knows your medical history, allergies, other meds you are taking that may interact, etc,etc. Your GP should know these things and be able to suggest something either RX or OTC/Herbal

sonofzeus

1. YOU are a mind-reader;

2. My usual admonition for Omni questions about legal/medical/financial matters is to consult a professional.

3. The Omni crowd thinks they're a better source.

onobond

Do not carry any drug not approved in Oz or US, it might even be a good idea to have a medical certificate from your GP even IF they are approved, but narcotics classed, as all benzos are

MSPeconomist

Be very careful for a trip to Australia; certain common OTC drugs are prohibited there and the penalties can be serious.

Also, do not combine Tylenol with alcohol. Doing this risks liver damage.

gfunkdave

Sounds lovely - I prefer valium.

Like what? Why?

I'm glad someone mentioned it. ^

obscure2k

Absolutely^ I would never consider seeking RX advice from IBB.

Paint Horse

Lunesta works quite well. A nice sleep and easy to wakeup. However, swallow it as fast as possible. It has a terrible, long lingering taste of any of it dissolves in your mouth.