Fear of Flying & Requests for Sedative Medication

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We understand that many people experience anxieties about flying, & it is common for patients to ask for sedative medication (such as diazepam) to help manage this.

As a practice, we do not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying.

Below, we explain why this decision is in place, based on patient safety, clinical guidance & legal considerations.

Why we do not prescribe sedatives for flying

Safety on board

  • Sedatives slow reaction times, impair decision making & coordination. In the rare event of an in‑flight emergency, this could put both the passenger & others at risk.
  • They can also cause significant drowsiness, which may make evacuation in an emergency more difficult.

Medical risks

  • Sedatives increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially on longer flights, as they reduce movement during sleep.
  • They can affect breathing by causing mild respiratory depression. At altitude, where oxygen levels are already lower, this effect may become more significant.
  • Some people may experience paradoxical effects, such as agitation or aggression, rather than calm.

Guideline & clinical reasons

  • Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) are not recommended for phobias, including fear of flying, in the British National Formulary (BNF).
  • NICE guidelines advise against using sedative medication for mild or short‑term anxiety.
  • Fear of flying is considered a specific phobia, not generalised anxiety disorder, so these medicines are not indicated.

Other important considerations

  • Combining sedatives with alcohol (often consumed by nervous flyers) increases the risk of complications.
  • Importing or carrying sedative medication is illegal in some countries, which could cause problems when travelling abroad.
  • Sedatives carry a risk of dependence &, with regular use, may be linked to cognitive side effects.
  • GP indemnity generally only covers prescribing for use in the UK; use during travel abroad may not be covered.

What you can do instead

Fear of flying is common, & there are safer, evidence‑based approaches to help manage it:

  • Fear of flying courses, often run by airlines, which combine education about flying with anxiety management techniques.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has good evidence for helping with specific phobias.
  • Self‑help strategies such as breathing exercises, distraction (music, reading, puzzles) & talking openly to cabin crew about your anxiety.

Below are some courses & resources you may find useful:

Guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The CAA advises that sedative drugs are not recommended for fear of flying, for the same safety & health reasons outlined above.

They encourage passengers to consider therapeutic options, self‑help techniques & to seek professional advice before flying.

If you feel your anxiety is severe or part of a wider mental health condition, we recommend discussing this with your GP to explore the most appropriate & safe support.

If you have any questions, please speak to a member of our clinical team.

We are here to help you find the safest & most effective way to manage your fear of flying.