Does medication become negatively affected or less potent after being
put through security x-ray baggage machines at airports? I take
medication for anxiety and I was wondering if it affects it or not

Hello Two4motion,

 I have found some conflicting reports on this topic. It seems that
overall, having your medication passed through airport x-ray will not
cause any harm or lessen potency. However, since this has not been
thoroughly studied, and because there is no complete consensus of
opinion, airport security will allow you to request a visual
inspection. On a personal note, my husband and I have had our
medicines x-rayed several times per trip, with no loss of efficacy.

According to Andrew Karam, Ph.D., CHP,, an expert in radiation safety,
 your medication will not be affected.
?There are also no known effects of this x-ray radiation on other
items that pass through the x-ray scanner.  Airport x-rays will not
affects seeds, medication, food items, vitamins, insulin, or
electronics that are in our suitcases.  Even pets that pass through
these machines receive too little radiation exposure to cause them
harm.?
http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q2093.html


I did find that folks who take homeopathic remedies seem more fearful
of airport radiation.
?Since February 2004, as part of its efforts to "treat passengers with
dignity" while protecting us from terrorists, the U.S. Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) has permitted passengers who fear that
their medication will be damaged by x-ray screening to request that it
be inspected visually instead?

?Never allow your remedies to be X-rayed (airport entries). Never
place your remedies on or within 3 feet of equipment that radiates a
strong magnetic field (T.V., microwave, magnets). Any electrical
writing, outlet or switch will have a weak magnetic field, and
remedies should be located 6 or more inches away. Homeopathic remedies
possess dynamic electromagnetic fields of varying amplitude, depending
on their potencies. These fields become distorted and unpredictable
when strongly affected by other magnetic fields [4]?
http://www.homeowatch.org/policy/screening.html


You may ask that your medication and supplies be manually and visually
inspected. Make it easier for the inspector by having the medication
in original prescription bottles, in  a separate cosmetic bag.
?Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared
visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you
will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies
into the sterile area.?
http://seniortravel.about.com/od/morethanatourist/a/securitymeds.htm



?·Medication and related supplies are normally x-rayed.  However, as a
customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual
inspection of your medication and associated supplies.
·You must request a visual inspection before the screening process
begins, otherwise you medications and supplies will undergo x-ray
inspection.
·If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have you
medication and associated supplies separated from your other property
in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the screener at the
walk-through metal detector.
·Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to
the screener.
·In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and
associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be
asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your
own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection
process.
·Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared
visually must be submitted for x-ray screening.  If you refuse, you
will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies
into the sterile area.?
http://www.teampit.com/medications.htm

Finetuning has the same advice:
Medications
·Clearly label all medication so it can be identified. 
·Place meds in clear plastic bags to make screening easier. 
·If you don?t want your meds or medical equipment x-rayed, you need to
request a visual inspection before the screening begins.
http://www.finetuning.com/articles/p0-170-how-to-get-through-airport-security-and-still-make-your-flight.html

Hope this helps you have a pleasant flight! If any part of my answer
is unclear, please request an Answer Clarification, before rating, and
I will be happy to respond.

Sincerely, Crabcakes

Search Terms
============
Airport x-ray affect medication
Effect airport radiation medication
Medicines + x-rays

Well thought out and concise answer.