Agoraphobia + Massive Upcoming Travel (10 Flights) — On Prozac 30mg & Feeling Overwhelmed

Hi everyone, I’ve been on Prozac 30mg for about 2 weeks now. I was previously on 20mg for a while but didn’t notice much benefit. When I first started at 10mg months ago, it helped during the first couple of weeks, but the effects eventually faded. I’m taking it to help manage agoraphobia that causes panic attacks.

I’m not completely housebound, but I struggle a lot with going to unfamiliar places, highways, heavy traffic, crowded areas, and especially situations where I feel trapped. These often trigger full-on panic attacks, not just anxiety.

Next month, I have a major international trip for a family event, and I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed. I haven’t flown in over 6 years, and even road trips have been tough recently. Here’s what the travel roughly looks like: • A domestic flight across the U.S. with an overnight stay • An international flight to East Asia, followed by a connection to Southeast Asia • A few days in one country, then over a week in another • A domestic flight within that region, followed by two boat rides to more remote areas • Then another international flight, with a connection through a third country • About a week in East Asia, then returning home via multiple connecting flights

All in all, the trip involves around 10 flights, multiple layovers, and two boat rides. The thought of managing panic attacks through all of this — in unfamiliar and crowded environments — has me seriously stressed.

My psychiatrist has prescribed Hydroxyzine (which I’ve never taken before) to help manage anxiety during the trip. I’ve also been working with a therapist using CBT, which has helped some — but I still don’t feel fully ready.

If anyone here has dealt with similar anxiety, I’d truly appreciate your advice: • Is 30mg of Prozac generally enough for panic/agoraphobia, or might I need an adjustment? • How do you know if you’re experiencing too high of a dose? • Has anyone had good experiences with Hydroxyzine during flights or intense travel situations? • Any strategies for handling long travel with agoraphobia, panic, and limited control over your environment?

I’m doing everything I can to prepare, but the fear is still very real. Thank you so much for reading — I would really appreciate any insight or support.