Fear of Flying and Requests for Sedative Medication

We understand that many people experience anxiety about flying, and 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 and legal considerations.

Why we do not prescribe sedatives for flying

Safety on board

Sedatives slow reaction times, impair decision making and coordination. In the rare event of an in‑flight emergency, this could put both the passenger and 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 and 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 and, 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, and there are safer, evidence‑based approaches to help manage it:

Courses

• easyJet Fearless Flyer
• Flying Without Fear
• British Airways – Flying With Confidence

Therapeutic approaches

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has good evidence for helping with specific phobias.

Self‑help strategies

• Breathing exercises
• Distraction (music, reading, puzzles)
• Talking openly to cabin crew about your anxiety

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance

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