Fear of Flying

Queensway Surgery no longer prescribes Diazepam (or other benzodiazepines/sedatives) for fear of flying. This decision is in line with national guidance and policies adopted by many GP practices.

There are several important reasons for this:

• Safety in emergencies – Diazepam slows reaction times, which could put you and others at risk during an in-flight emergency.

• Risk of blood clots (DVTs) – Reduced movement during sleep on long flights increases clot risk, which can be life-threatening.

• Unpredictable effects – Some people experience agitation or aggression instead of calm, which could lead to safety or legal issues.

• Interaction with alcohol – Risks are magnified when combined with alcohol.

• Not recommended in guidelines – The BNF and NICE do not support the use of Diazepam for phobias or mild anxiety.

• Legal risks abroad – In some countries, benzodiazepines are illegal and may result in confiscation or prosecution.

• Drug testing – Diazepam stays in your system for a long time and may affect employment drug tests.

• Long-term health risks – Regular use has been linked with dementia.

Alternatives

Instead of medication, we recommend:

• NHS Talking Therapies (self-referral available)

• Approved flight anxiety courses, such as:

  • https://fearlessflyer.easyjet.com | Tel: 0203 813 1644

  • https://flyingwithconfidence.com | Tel: 01252 793250

Please note: Flight anxiety is not covered under NHS General Medical Services, so GPs are not required to prescribe medication for this condition.

Medical Procedures (e.g. MRI scans, dental treatment)

We also do not prescribe Diazepam or sedatives for medical or dental procedures.

Key reasons include:

• Hospital team responsibility – MRI scans and procedures are usually requested by hospital departments, who are responsible for supporting you if anxiety is an issue.

• Safety – Sedation needs correct monitoring and timing, which GPs cannot provide.

• Unexpected reactions – Diazepam can sometimes cause agitation rather than relaxation.

• Procedure delays – Hospital procedures may not run on time; sedatives taken beforehand may wear off or become unsafe.

• Specialist responsibility – Sedation for surgery or dental treatment should always be provided by the treating hospital or dentist, not by your GP.

If you are worried about anxiety or claustrophobia before a scan or procedure, please contact the requesting hospital department or radiology service directly to discuss safe support options.