24/09/2025
MEDICATION FOR FEAR OF FLYING
Many people feel anxious about flying. We understand this can be very distressing and some patients ask for medicines like diazepam to help.
After careful review of the medical evidence and national guidance, our doctors will no longer prescribe diazepam (or similar medicines) for fear of flying.
Why we won’t prescribe diazepam for flying?
• Safety on board: Diazepam makes you less alert and slows your reactions. This can be dangerous in an emergency. It can also make you too sleepy to move around, increasing the risk of blood clots (DVT).
• Breathing risks: Airplane cabins already have less oxygen than at ground level. Sedatives like diazepam can worsen breathing problems.
• Unexpected reactions: Some people become agitated or aggressive after taking diazepam (a 'paradoxical reaction'). This can be very unsafe on a plane.
• Mixing with alcohol: Alcohol is often consumed when travelling and can combine with diazepam to cause dangerous sedation.
• Addiction and misuse: Diazepam is addictive and often misused. In our area, the risk of tablets being lost, shared, or sold is high.
These reasons mean diazepam is not recommended in national guidelines (BNF, NICE, NHS) for treating phobias like fear of flying.
Safer and more effective alternatives
• Airline 'Fear of Flying' courses: British Airways – Flying with Confidence; easyJet – Fearless Flyer; Virgin
Atlantic – Flying Without Fear.
• Talking therapy (CBT / IAPT): If your fear is severe or stopping you from travelling, we can refer you for talking therapy.
• Self-help techniques: Breathing and relaxation exercises, listening to calming music or audiobooks,
informing cabin crew so they can support you.
