Medication for Fear of Flying

Some people ask us for diazepam or similar medicines to help with fear of flying or to sleep on a flight.

After reviewing current medical guidance, Grosvenor and St James Medical Practice does not prescribe diazepam or any benzodiazepines for flight anxiety.
This decision is in line with many GP surgeries and national guidelines.

Why we do not prescribe diazepam for flying

It slows your reactions and is unsafe in an emergency

• Benzodiazepines make you drowsy and slow your reactions.
• On a plane, this could stop you acting quickly in an emergency, putting you and others at risk.

Higher risk of blood clots (DVT)

• These medicines can make you sleep very still.
• Not moving your legs for long periods — especially on flights over 4 hours — increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life‑threatening blood clot.

They can cause unusual or risky behaviour

A small number of people may experience:

• agitation
• aggression
• loss of inhibition

This can be unsafe during a flight and may lead to legal issues.

Dangerous when combined with alcohol

• Alcohol is commonly consumed on flights.
• Mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines increases sedation and risks, making flying less safe.

Not recommended for phobias

• The British National Formulary (BNF) states that diazepam is not allowed for treating phobias and should not be used for mild anxiety.
• Doctors must follow these rules, and prescribing against them carries legal risk.

NICE guidance does not support medication for mild anxiety

• NICE recommends non‑medication treatments for short‑term or mild anxiety conditions, including fear of flying.

Legal issues when travelling abroad

• Some countries, including several in the Middle East, do not allow benzodiazepines to be brought in.
• This may lead to medication being confiscated or, in some cases, legal consequences.

Drug testing at work

• Diazepam stays in your body for a long time.
• If your job requires drug testing, you may test positive.

Possible long‑term health risks

Research has shown benzodiazepines can be linked to:

• dependence
• memory and thinking problems
• increased long‑term anxiety
• a possible link to dementia

Other important information

• Fear of flying is not included in NHS General Medical Services, so GPs are not required to prescribe medication for this.
• If you still wish to take benzodiazepines for flying, please consult a private GP or private travel clinic.
• Always tell your travel insurer about any medical conditions and medicines you take. Not doing so may make your insurance invalid.