Many people experience anxiety when flying, and we recognise that a fear of flying can be distressing and may significantly affect travel plans.
However, Bruton Surgery does NOT prescribe Diazepam (or other benzodiazepines) for fear of flying.
This policy has been adopted for several important safety and clinical reasons.
Why we do not prescribe Diazepam for flying
- Sedation may reduce your ability to respond in an emergency
Diazepam is a sedative medication that can cause drowsiness, slowed thinking, reduced concentration and impaired reaction times.
In the event of an emergency during a flight, these effects may reduce your ability to follow instructions from airline staff and react quickly. This could affect both your own safety and that of other passengers.
- Increased risk of blood clots during travel
Sedative medications can cause prolonged periods of reduced movement or sleep. Long journeys, particularly flights lasing more than four hours, are already associated with an increased risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
Reduced movement caused by sedation may further increase this risk.
- Unexpected or adverse reaction can occur
Although Diazepam usually causes relaxation and sedation, some people experience unexpected effects, including:
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- increased agitation or restlessness
- aggressive behaviour
- disinhibition (behaving in ways that would be unusual for them)
- impaired judgement
These reactions can be distressing for both the individual and other passengers and may create safety concerns during travel.
- Diazepam is not recommended for treatment of specific phobias
Fear of flying is considered a specific phobia. National prescribing guidance generally recommends psychological approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure-based treatments, rather than sedative medications, as these are more effective in addressing the underlying problem.
Benzodiazepines are licensed only for specific indications and are not routinely prescribed for fear of flying in primary care.
- Legal and travel considerations
Diazepam is a controlled medication in many countries. Different countries have different rules regarding carrying prescription medications across borders.
Travellers are responsible for checking the legal requirements of their destination and any countries through which they are travelling.
- Lingering effects after travel
Diazepam can remain in the body for many hours after it is taken. Some people continue to experience:
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- drowsiness
- reduced concentration
- slower reaction times
These effects may interfere with driving, operating machinery, work activities, or other responsibilities after arrival.
What can help instead?
Although fear of flying can be very distressing, there are effective alternatives to medication.
Many airlines offer specialist fear-of-flying programmes to help people understand flying, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies. These courses often provide lasting benefits and can improve confidence on future flights.
Fear of Flying Courses
EasyJet – Fearless Flyer
- website: Fear of Flying Course – Fearless Flyer
- Telephone: 020 3813 1644
British Airways – Flying with Confidence
- Website: Fear of flying courses from British Airways™ | Flying With Confidence
- 01252 793250
Virgin Atlantic – Flying without Fear
Summary
Bruton Surgery does not prescribe Diazepam or other sedative medications for fear of flying.
This decision is based on patient safety, the potential risks associated with sedative medications, and current clinical guidance, which supports non-drug approaches as the most effective treatment for flying-related anxiety and phobias.
We appreciate that fear of flying is a genuine and often debilitating condition. If anxiety is affecting other areas of your life, please contact the surgery to discuss appropriate support and treatment options.