Please read this carefully before requesting a prescription for benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam, or Temazepam) for situational anxiety, including fear of flying, MRI scans, or dental procedures.
Due to significant safety risks, legal restrictions, and national clinical guidance, our practice policy is not to prescribe Diazepam or similar sedatives for short-term anxiety, including a fear of flying or before medical/dental appointments.
We strongly encourage patients to use effective, non-medication alternatives, which provide long-lasting benefits without the risks associated with these drugs.
Why We Do Not Prescribe Diazepam for Fear of Flying
Prescribing Diazepam for a phobia (fear condition) goes directly against national guidelines (British National Formulary – BNF) which state that these drugs are “contraindicated” (not allowed) for the treatment of phobias and that their use for short-term anxiety is “inappropriate.”
We follow this guidance for several critical safety reasons:
| Risk Category | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Safety on Flights | Diazepam is a powerful sedative. If an emergency occurs, it would impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions, or react quickly. The Cabin Crew are there to guide, but you are responsible for your own safe evacuation. Many airlines consider sedated passengers a risk and may refuse you boarding. |
| Increased Blood Clot Risk | Sedatives can induce an unnatural, non-REM sleep where your movements are reduced. This significantly increases your risk of developing dangerous blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE), especially on flights over 4 hours long. |
| Breathing Problems | The air pressure change during flying naturally reduces your blood oxygen levels. Diazepam works by depressing your breathing, which can dangerously increase the risk of excessively low blood oxygen (hypoxia). |
| Paradoxical Reaction | For a small number of people, Diazepam causes the opposite of sedation—leading to aggression, agitation, disinhibition, or confusion. This is unpredictable and can lead to serious trouble with the law, including detention or arrest upon landing. |
| International Law | Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal Class C controlled substances in several countries (e.g., Japan, Greece, and many Middle Eastern countries including the UAE). Carrying them, even with a UK prescription, could lead to confiscation, fines, or arrest. |
Why We Do Not Prescribe Diazepam for Scans or Dental Work
We also do not provide sedatives for dental or hospital procedures (such as scans).
National clinical guidance from the Royal College of Radiologists and the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry makes it clear that the responsibility for sedation lies with the specialist team performing the treatment:
- Hospital Staff: Sedation and analgesia should be administered by competent, well-trained staff within the hospital or radiology department.
- Dental Staff: Oral sedation must only be administered in the place where the dental treatment is provided, and only by practitioners already competent in administering intravenous sedation.
If you require sedation for a procedure, you must consult with your Dentist or the Hospital team (e.g., the Radiology Department) well in advance of your appointment. They are responsible for assessing your needs and providing a suitable, supervised form of sedation if necessary.
Better Alternatives for Anxiety and Phobias
A fear of flying or procedural anxiety is frightening, but there are much safer and more effective ways to manage it than with short-term medication. We recommend the following long-lasting solutions:
| For a Fear of Flying | For General Anxiety/Phobias |
|---|---|
| Fear of Flying Courses: Specialist courses run by airlines (e.g., British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic) are highly effective and have none of the side effects of medication. | NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT): You can often self-refer for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is the most effective treatment for phobias and anxiety. |
| Audio Courses: Resources like Fly And Be Calm provide immediate access to guided audio and hypnotic tracks. | Relaxation & Mindfulness: Utilise apps like Headspace or Calm, or look up relaxation techniques online to help manage anxiety symptoms. |
If you still wish to consider Diazepam for your travel or procedure, we suggest consulting with a private GP or a private travel clinic. These services are private and not offered by the NHS. They may be able to arrange for specialist escorts and further discuss the significant risks involved.