Fears of flying, often spurred by the perceived possibility of terrorism, have led some to turn to a variety of prescription medications to help them get through flights.
Some of the drugs being used include:
- Anti-anxiety drugs like Zanax, Ativan and Valium
- Anti-depressants like Paxil
- Pain drugs including Soma
- The obesity-inducing sleep aid Ambien
One sleep disorders expert has noticed a dramatic increase over the past two years in the amount of patients who take a drug, in part, to calm their anxieties during a flight. Some nervous fliers have even resorted to borrowing a couple of prescriptions from their friends to get through a trip.