Prescribing Diazepam for Fear of Flying, and other requests (including scans and dental appointments)
Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, clonazepam) are sedating medications used since the 1960s for conditions like alcohol withdrawal, epilepsy, and muscle spasms. They’re addictive and can cause memory problems, poor coordination, and can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Many people approach their GP practice asking for diazepam to help with fear of flying, or to sleep during a flight. There are several good reasons why prescribing diazepam is not recommended, and as a result we can not prescribe diazepam for patients who wish to use this for a fear of flying.
Why GPs won’t prescribe diazepam for flying
Medical guidelines
- National prescribing guidelines (BNF) state benzodiazepines are not allowed for treating phobias like fear of flying
- Using them for short-term anxiety is considered inappropriate
- Prescribing against these guidelines puts GPs at legal risk
Safety risks during flight
Emergency situations: Sedation impairs your ability to concentrate, follow instructions, or evacuate quickly. Airlines may refuse passengers taking sedatives, similar to intoxicated passengers.
Blood clots: Unnatural sleep from sedatives reduces movement, increasing risk of dangerous blood clots (DVT/PE), especially on flights over 4 hours.
Breathing problems: Planes reduce oxygen levels to 90%. Benzodiazepines depress breathing, risking dangerously low oxygen levels.
Paradoxical reactions: Some people become aggressive or disinhibited instead of sleepy, potentially leading to arrest and legal trouble.
Other concerns
- Illegal abroad: Banned in Greece, Japan, UAE, and other countries – could result in arrest
- Drug testing: Long-lasting effects may cause failed workplace drug tests
- Dementia risk: Possible link to earlier onset dementia
Better alternatives
Fear of flying courses (more effective than medication)
- EasyJet: fearlessflyer.easyjet.com tel: 0203 813 1644
- British Airways: flyingwithconfidence.com tel: 01252 793 250
- Virgin Atlantic: flywith.virginatlantic.com tel: 01423 714 900
Other therapy options to try
- NHS talking therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). See NHS information about this here.
Private options
If you still want diazepam, you can consult a private GP or travel clinic however these will require a fee to administed the medication.
For other medical procedures (scans, dental work etc.)
GPs don’t provide sedation for these situations. Responsibility lies with:
- Hospital staff for scans/procedures
- Dentists for dental work
You will need to contact them directly about sedation options.