Policy on Use of Benzodiazepines for Flying
Important Information Regarding Sedatives for Flying
At The Oaks Family Practice, we prioritise your well-being and safety. Therefore, we do not recommend or prescribe the use of Diazepam or similar medications for individuals seeking relief from fear of flying. Our decision is based on several critical considerations:
Prescribing Guidelines and Legal Risks:
- Diazepam is contraindicated for treating phobias and mild anxiety according to the British National Formulary.
- GPs face significant legal risks by prescribing against these guidelines. Diazepam is only licensed short-term for crisis management in generalised anxiety, not for isolated flight anxiety.
Safety Concerns:
- Sedatives like Diazepam compromise alertness and reaction times, posing risks during emergency situations on flights.
- Reduced movements during unnatural non-REM sleep induced by sedatives increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), especially on flights longer than 4 hours.
Unpredictable Reactions:
- Some individuals experience paradoxical effects such as agitation and aggression, which can jeopardise safety on flights.
- Disinhibition caused by Diazepam may lead to atypical behaviour, potentially resulting in legal issues.
Legal Implications:
- Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in many countries and may be confiscated, leading to trouble with law enforcement.
Travel Insurance Considerations:
- Failure to declare all medical conditions and medications to your travel insurer may nullify your insurance policy.
Policy and Alternatives:
Given these considerations, we do not provide Diazepam or similar drugs for flight anxiety. Instead, we recommend the following aviation industry-approved flight anxiety courses:
Recommended Flight Anxiety Courses:
Your safety and well-being are our utmost concern. Please consider these more effective and safer alternatives to address your fear of flying.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Oaks Family Practice