I just got some temazepam from the doc to knock me out when flying. Does anyone know if there's a list of countries where these kinda sleeping pills are illegal or require more than a doctors note?
I'm traveling to Indonesia/Singapore/Qatar/China/Hong Kong/Taiwan.
Any insights would be much appreciated :)
I was exaggerating about the "knock out"; you can wake up but would just be drowsy. I wouldn't take any meds unless you have a bed on the plane. Sitting in an economy seat for X amount of hours without moving isn't great for you health.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temazepam#Legal_status
Taiwan
https://www.france-taipei.org/IMG/pdf/schedules_and_items_of…
Google the info to your own satisfaction. After-all if you get it wrong and end up in the slammer; 'I read it on Ozbargain', isn't going to be acceptable.
Thanks Xuqi, I found those links as well but you're right, it's just info on the internet. I think I will just take 1 doze for the flight i want to sleep on which means I only need to figure out Indonesia's stance on temazepam.
Temazepam is controlled in some form globally (due to its potential for misuse), so I suggest taking a copy of the prescription with you even in countries where its use is allowed.
Generally speaking middle-eastern & Asian countries have far more strict and opaque laws, so if possible avoid taking any such drugs with you for the convenience.
or medical, Just because that's the choice you choose to go with, doesn't mean its the only reason…..
How about an immature addict?
Try not to rely on benzodiazepines too much. Even Temazepam when used for more than a few times can cause dependency.
There are actually some pretty good tips here at The Conversation. I haven't tried them myself but for me, I would have avoided drinking caffeine, cutting down on the alcohol (it makes you want to urinate) and also getting up to stretch your legs once every hour.
Flights are boring and you'll be tempted to start a movie marathon but staying awake watching stuff and playing games = sleep deprivation.
Some planes just aren't very good for sleeping in. When I flew with Thai Airways on their most budget 737's the seat configuration was quite dense and I just couldn't recline far enough for sleeping. Singapore Airlines is far more comfortable.
Very good info especially the caffeine, where on flights they can offer you refills on coffee. Likewise xuqi above and Quantumcat below also give good info.
Best advice I have from flying - even having a permanent American Airlines Gold FF membership (1+million miles), which only reflects a small portion of my flights.- I'd seriously ditch my Doctor, if he handed me out that crap
There are great reasons why the Australian Olympics team banned this drugs use, after Grant Hackett was found to be dependent upon them (also known as Stillnox)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/aoc-confirms-ban-on-sleeping-ta…
Your flights are mostly shortish, except to Qatar, try 15 hour flights to US, enjoy the experience its part of the fun of travelling. You will probably be zonked out well after the flight lands, not pleasant.
Load your phone, iPad with lots of light short films/TV shows. Books and Magazines to supplement the inflight entertainment. Helps with Airport waiting areas.
Have a great time
Stilnox (also known as Zolpidem) is a completely different drug to Temazepam.
If you read the article you have linked it actually states 'In replacement of Stilnox, Coates said prescribed sleeping drug Temazepam would be made available to athletes in extreme cases.'
Yeah it's very hard to even get zolpidem these days, highly controlled.
in extreme cases
That's not exactly reassuring either though.
A sleeping pill on the plane seems like a terrible idea. I don't know if you've taken them before but they don't just make you sleep no matter what - you still have to be comfortable. If you are prevented from sleeping after you've had a pill you feel like complete and utter crap. Everything hurts and you can barely function. I think this is likely to happen if you try to use it on a plane.
I wouldn't take it flying economy but even in business or first I can't sleep and on an overnight flight it's nice to arrive rested.
I'm curious as to why you'd think you will need sleeping pills on any of those legs? Even the longest of any of those would only be 8-9 hours.
I excluded the countries for which I already know the legal status :) Flying to Europe first and just want to get some sleep (flying J with QR). For the other flights I won't use anything as I enjoy flying; it's just the fact I might have some meds on me.
I would hate to be sitting next to some snoring, drooling, lolling idiot on Temazapam in economy class for 9 hours.
I fly business or first only on long haul flights so you definitely won't be sitting directly next to me ;)
OP, suck it up. Those legs are short. Watch a movie, read a book, bring a comfortable inflatable pillow, ear plugs and eyemask. It's not like your own a redeye to LA or a trip to Mars.
I hope you picked a window seat if you insist on knocking yourself out. Not fair for others if they have to slap you awake to get past you for the loo.
I'm simply asking if anyone has some info for the countries listed; I'm only taking some sleeping pills on a long haul to Europe but I'll be in Asia on the way back (hence the question). Not fair on others? Qatar business is 1-2-1 configuration so I doubt I will bother anyone by getting some sleep.
I think you will find that any country that has a ban on these drugs will only be concerned if you have a commercial quantity or quantity that could indicate your intention to resell.
If it's just a personal amount with a prescription, it will be easy to explain.
OP, I'm not sure "Ozbargain forums told me it was fine!" is a valid defence if you are detained.
Google the respective Countries official travel rules.
Oh really, OZB doesn't count as my get out of jail free card? There's ins't much info out there so I'm asking if anyone has experience/knowledge on the subject. I gather you don't know either.
I would probably leave the temazepam at home and buy OTC Restavit, it works heaps better than temazepam and does not cause dependency.
Do you feel 'hungover' afterwards?
For about 30 minutes! once you get yourself going you should be fine!
Honestly any sedative has potential for dependency
I prefer valium for flying.
To help with anxiety or does it help you sleep as well?
It relaxes me enough to fall asleep whereas i find temaz only helps me stay asleep in a normal situation.
It's even more drug abuse problem than the heroin, when we see from the movie, ther against drug policeman would tryto use tongue to taste if heroin or not, and they woudl never get heroin drug abused. however, sleeping pill would be, somehow a person would eventually ask thyself if no longer exist that half-pill of the sleeping drugs, who would be with me. So, the sleeping pill has finished the function, the user turn to be the psychological problem instead.
okay…
I think the translation is: These sleeping pills pose more of a risk for drug dependence than heroin. Not sure how true that is, but I think that's the meaning that our friend kenchan was trying to convey.
I find Temazepam has the effect of a couple of stiff spirit based drinks - relaxes you but not on your arse.
As with Valium - scene missing. Have been asleep before taking off.. so use cautiously.
Just curious, I've never flown Internationally before, but will do soon. Do you take strong enough sleeping pills to like knock you right out ?
Is this safe, ie wouldn't you maybe wake up really sore from sleeping in awkward position in airplane seat, and wouldn't it be dangerous if anything happens on plane and you cannot be woken up cos knocked out .
BTW, you might be wise to check laws of each country regarding carrying/possession of the pills you already have also. It might be illegal to bring them into country and carry controlled medicines not approved and bought locally, even if your name is on script etc.