Practice policy on requests for diazepam for fear of flying
After a thorough and careful consideration, we will no longer prescribe benzodiazepines or sedatives (such as diazepam) for patients experiencing fear of flying.
Diazepam is a Class C/Schedule IV controlled drug in the UK.
According to the prescribing guidelines doctors follow (British National Formulary), diazepam is contraindicated (not allowed) in treating phobias. It also states that “the use of benzodiazepines to treat short-term ‘mild’ anxiety is inappropriate.”
Diazepam can cause slow thinking, reduce awareness and increase reaction times. This can put you and other fellow passengers in significant risk during an emergency that requires quick action, for example an evacuation.
Diazepam can make you fall asleep and affect your activity levels. This could lead to you not moving around as much on your journey. This can cause you to be at an increased risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in the leg or lungs (Pulmonary Embolus). Blood clots are dangerous and can even prove fatal.
A small number of people may experience paradoxical agitation and aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally which can pose a risk on the plane. This could impact on your safety as well as that of other passengers and could also get you into trouble with the law.
Flight anxiety does not come under the remit of General Medical Services as defined in the GP contract and so we are not obliged to prescribe for this.
Many GP surgeries nationally have adopted a similar policy of not prescribing diazepam for fear of flying.
To address the fear of flying, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques and flight anxiety courses are recommended. Please contact your airline for information on the flight anxiety course they offer.
Please click on the links below for further information:
https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-manage-flight-anxiety
Easy Jet
– www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com
British Airways
– www.flyingwithconfidence.com
Virgin Atlantic
– https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/wellbeing-and-health/flying-withoutfear.html
Hypnotherapy
– https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/fearofflying.html#livingwithafearofflying