Sedatives for Fear of Flying and Medical Procedures

The main reasons are:

• Reduced alertness and reaction times: Diazepam can impair coordination, concentration, memory and reactions, which could be dangerous during an in-flight emergency.
• Risk of blood clots: Sedation can reduce movement during long flights, potentially increasing the risk of DVT.
• Paradoxical reactions: Some people can become agitated, aggressive or disinhibited rather than relaxed.
• Alcohol interaction: Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects and associated risks.
• Dependence and withdrawal: Benzodiazepines can be addictive, with potentially serious withdrawal symptoms.
• Clinical guidance: UK prescribing guidance discourages benzodiazepines for phobias and short-term mild anxiety.
• Travel restrictions: Diazepam may be restricted or illegal to bring into some countries.
• Drug testing: Diazepam can remain detectable in the body for a considerable period.
• Long-term concerns: Prolonged benzodiazepine use has been associated with problems involving cognition, balance and dementia risk.

For medical procedures

The practice also does not prescribe diazepam or any sedative for procedures such as MRI scans or dental treatment because sedation needs to be appropriately timed and, where necessary, monitored by the team carrying out the procedure.

If anxiety or claustrophobia is likely to make a scan or procedure difficult, patients are advised to contact the hospital, radiology department, dentist or treating clinician directly to discuss appropriate support or sedation.

Alternatives for fear of flying

Instead, we recommend either self-referral to NHS Talking Therapies, Hypnotherapy or the following aviation industry-approved flight anxiety courses, which are widely accessible:

• EasyJet Fearless Flyer
• British Airways Flying with Confidence

In short, the practices policy is that diazepam is not considered an appropriate or sufficiently safe treatment for flight anxiety or for self-administered sedation before medical procedures.