Some passengers find it easy to sleep on airplanes. Since it has not called for dangerous drugs (Photo - Lufthansa)
A long plane ride can be a huge challenge with patience and anxiety for individuals who do not deal very well with those feelings. A flight from São Paulo to Miami is relatively short: it takes nine to 10 hours. For Paris and London time increases to about 11 hours. Already to those who risk going to Asia, they have to prepare for two extremely long sessions enclosure that can last more than 30 hours. In some of these cases, passenger appeal to self-medication, including drugs "black box".
To sleep shortly after takeoff and wake up with the first warning about the landing - or nudged by the commissioners - passengers use drugs with strong sedative effects and can cause side effects that go far beyond sleep. Some of the most popular medicines to relieve tension during flight are the Rivotril, Diazepam, Front, midazolam hydrochloride and popular Dramamine, whose prescription sleeping on the plane is controversial, as explained by Daniel doctor Sousa Filho, psychiatrist at the Albert Einstein Hospital in an interview with Airway.
"The dimenitrado (Dramamine) is an antihistamine used to treat nausea, dizziness and vomiting in general, including the situations that occur during pregnancy and movements during travel, whether by plane or car. Should be prescribed only after medical evaluation, "says Sousa. "Side effects commonly associated with the use of this medication are headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth and constipation, committing attention and motor coordination," says the doctor.
The remedy, however, is often prescribed for passengers / healthy patients and also particularly suitable for children with severe cases of anxiety. In excess, Dramamine can cause intense drowsiness, cardiac arrhythmias, confusion, visual hallucinations, convulsions, respiratory failure and even coma.
The Dramamine is the most prescribed medication for those who want to sleep on long journeys
Therefore, as the expert analyzes of Albert Einstein, people still under Dramamine effect after the trip, with the committed way, they should not drive or operate machinery. The drug, however, can be purchased without a prescription. Since drugs with greater power of sedation, usually psychiatric use, are sold only by prescription, but many people are able to access inappropriately.
"Even homeopathic medications, considered more 'soft' by the population, have their indications and contraindications and should be prescribed by specialists," says Sousa.
Deep sleep
"I travel frequently to China and Japan to work and to adapt myself quickly to the time zone take some medicine during the trip to sleep," says Kenji M., who performs this trip at least once a month two years ago in class and executive who asked not to be identified in the report. "I have recipes for midazolam hydrochloride and Rivotril. Sometimes when I wake up in the end of the trip, it takes me a few seconds to realize that I am on a plane about to land, "says M., who revealed having achieved revenues legally after consultations with doctors.
"The immediate side effects of 'benzodiazepines' (as Rivotril and midazolam hydrochloride) are attention deficit, fafiga, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, vertigo, depression and respiratory arrest," says Dr. Sousa.
In the long run, for people who take these drugs often without medical supervision, these drugs can cause physical dependence, memory impairment and withdrawal symptoms when the dose decreased or removed from the routine of the patient.
Because of its soporific effect proven, the case turned Rivotril cushion theme
"I take the medicine when it is served dinner, one or two tablets of midazolam hydrochloride, and soon after the meal all off. When I wake up I'm a little dizzy, but soon passes when I make breakfast, "said M. Kenji, which ensures you use the medicines only in his travels."Without the drugs I lie awake during the two flights and adaptation to the spindle is further complicated," he adds.
All medicines have a maximum dose, often described in package inserts. "The physician should prescribe the dose for your picture, according to their age, weight, presence or absence of other diseases. It is self-medicate with many high doses of any medication can bring as a consequence frames of acute intoxication, depression, respiratory arrest and even death, "warns a doctor-psychiatrist at the Albert Einstein.
There is evidence that the effects of these drugs may be enhanced by altitude, as with alcohol.
How to sleep on the plane?
On most flights, factors such as noise, excessive lighting, little comfort and reduced the seats tilt, as well as its discomfort caused by altitude, can have a negative effect on sleep of some people, who saw the "zombies" of the plane.
Those who really have trouble sleeping on planes, Dr. Sousa indicates psychotherapy. "They are breathing and relaxation techniques that may be suitable for people with pictures of anxiety, phobias, panic disorders, and other conditions associated with insomnia during the flight," states the doctor.
The entertainment system of the cabins can serve to bring sleep and is also good dress warmly for the trip in the cabin, which is usually cold. Long-term travel, as the flight to Abu Dhabi which can take up to 15 hours, is also indicated take a "survival kit" with cushions, masks for the eyes and cream to not dry out the lips, especially those traveling in economy class .
"We recommend a pleasant reading during the flight, listen to relaxing music and prefer light meals before and during the journey. You should avoid coffee, soda and alcohol or energy drinks "suggests the expert's Albert Einstein Hospital. So, calmly, no drugs and good riddance.
