I don't usually take medication, but I'll soon be traveling and the travel/work schedule means that I'd be far better off getting hours and hours of sleep on an 11 hour flight that departs Thailand at 5pm.

 

The sooner I sleep after take-off at 5pm, the better. What medicine is good for this, that I can buy OTC?

 

Thanks. 

"CetTec", actually an anti-histamine (cetirizine dihydrochloride) always makes me sleepy enough to get a pretty good snooze on long flights.  Best part is it doesn't leave you feeling woozy upon waking.

B20/10 tablets.  One tablet is usually enough. 

A nice Merlot usually works for me !   LOL

How long before the flight do you take it?

 

As long as you realize that you're putting yourself at a greater risk of getting a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) by sitting motionless in a seat for several hours. On long-haul flights I take little naps interspersed with getting up and doing walks around the cabin. If you are sitting down for long periods then get the venus pump in your lower leg working by clenching and unclenching your feet from time to time. Personally I would never zonk myself out with a pill on a long flight. Nothing wrong with some booze.

 

 

1 hour ago, dddave said:

"CetTec", actually an anti-histamine (cetirizine dihydrochloride) always makes me sleepy enough to get a pretty good snooze on long flights.  Best part is it doesn't leave you feeling woozy upon waking.

B20/10 tablets.  One tablet is usually enough. 

 

That's interesting, thanks. 

 

Quote

 

Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but it's still possible to feelsleepy after taking it. ... Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than other so-called sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton (chlorphenamine).

 

Piriton tablets and syrup contain the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate.Chlorphenamine is a type of medicine called a sedating antihistamine, so-called because it can make you feel sleepy. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

 

 

Piriton may be of interest.

 

 

Any others that people use?

 

 

If you really want to sleep.  Can try Lyrica (pregabalin), and/or Benadryl...muscle relaxants work well ie myonal.  Consult an MD based on your health profile, medication allergy, etc.  I share the same concern as commented earlier for DVT.  Some people get them easy so they pre-medicate with a blood thiner like aspirin before long haul flights.  Incorporate movement intermittently while flying to alleviate muscle soreness/stiffness/DVT, etc.  Everyone is different here.  

19 minutes ago, mike787 said:

 Can try Lyrica (pregabalin), and/or Benadryl...muscle relaxants work well ie myonal. 

Easy to buy here?

Yes, if you are at risk of thrombosis you should not sleep in the cramped conditions of today's cattle class. 

Risk factors include: age, overweight, smoker, you are on the pill, you ever had a thrombosis, recent abdominal or leg surgery, cancer

 

Everybody in cattle class should move as much as possible,  get up and walk around. The airlines do not promote this ????

Aspirin is probably useless,  you would need an injection of heparin (eg clexane) shortly before the flight if your risk is high. 

 

It is much safer to fly business or to have a stop-over.

57 minutes ago, trd said:

As long as you realize that you're putting yourself at a greater risk of getting a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) by sitting motionless in a seat for several hours. On long-haul flights I take little naps interspersed with getting up and doing walks around the cabin. If you are sitting down for long periods then get the venus pump in your lower leg working by clenching and unclenching your feet from time to time. Personally I would never zonk myself out with a pill on a long flight. Nothing wrong with some booze.

 

 

Aww you're the type I have to get up for every 20mins lol

I have found "3mg Melatonin " effective for sleep assistance and also good help recovering from jet-lag too.

 

"Melatonin is an effective supplement that can help you fall asleep, especially if you have insomnia or jet lag. It may have other health benefits, as well. If you would like to try melatonin, start with a lower dose of 0.5–1 mg, taken 30 minutes before bed. If that doesn't work, you can increase your dose to 3–5 mg."

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-and-sleep

Aww you're the type I have to get up for every 20mins lol

No that wouldn't be me because I always get an aisle seat.

I take 50mg Atarax on long haul flights. You can buy 25mg tablets otc at any pharmacy.

Xanax  works for me

 Dramamine used for motion sickness sold at any airport kiosk make you drowsy.

I have not taken it in many years so I am not sure if it is still sold.If it is it used to work wonders for me. 

3 hours ago, Happy Grumpy said:

Easy to buy here?

YES!  Most Thai pharmacy will have them or can acquire them. 

I find that flying business class works well for me.  I simply can't sleep if my feet and ankles are swelling.