Expert: Michael Anisfeld - 9/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: I get extremely intense anxiety when flying on airplanes.  A few years ago, I went to a doctor and he prescribed me xanax (which worked very well).  I have not been on a plane in over 2 years, and
have not taken any of the Xanax since then.  I'm about to get on a plane in a few days and would like to take the Xanax that I already have, as I cannot afford to go back to a doctor to get more
(even if I had the time).  I was wondering if it is still safe to take it?  It has been stored in a cool and dry place for about 2 1/2 years.  I really will not be able to get on the plane without it, so this is
very important.

Thank you for taking my question!



ANSWER: Skylar:

I sympathize, my wife severely suffered from your phobia.

You really should not take any drug if it has gone beyond its expiration date, which as Xanax has a two year expiration dating, your stock surely has by now gone well past its expiration dating.

As you only need 2 tablets (1 for each flight - out and back), the prescription for, and purchase of, 2 tablets should not total more than US$ 10 maximum. Get your physician to prescribe 2 tablets over the phone (no visit fees incurred as this is a repeat prescription) and have them fax it to the pharmacy.

Alternatively, the airlines offer classes on overcoming anxiety, which was very successful for my wife's flight problems.

Safe journeys.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your answer.  I called my doctor and he said he can't
prescribe it to me over the phone, because I now live in a different state.  He
said that the Xanax is still safe to take, but might not be as effective, is this
true?

ANSWER: Skylar:

Physicians are trained to diagnose disease, and only peripherally learn about drugs.

Pharmacists are trained to be experts in drugs, and peripherally to diagnose disease.

Ask you local pharmacist - the expert (as I, as a pharmacist, am).

Good Luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you again for your answer (this is the last question, I promise!) and for your sympathy with my
condition.  Your email seemed to imply that the xanax is unsafe to take, what exactly would happen
if I were to take it?  If it will just make me a little sick or something, it would be worth it as long as it
still works.  Do you think I should take it or cancel my trip?  The trip is pretty important, so I really
don't want to have to cancel it, but if I can't take these I will have to do so.  

Answer
All drugs degrade from the date of manufacture, losing effectiveness and potentially building up "degradation products".

The expiration date is last the date which the drug company last tested to make sure the drug meets specification. After this date, nobody has any data as to whether the drug is safe and effective. It might well be, and there again it might not - nobody knows!

So regretfully, you are on your own. Knowing the cost of airfares, I find it hard to believe that the cost of 2 tablets (all you will need) will be the deciding factor on whether you travel or not.

Safe journey's, whether you take the tablet or not.
This is the limit to what I can advise you.