Policy Statement
Addington Road Surgery does not prescribe diazepam or other benzodiazepines for the purposes of flying, including flight-related anxiety (aerophobia). This decision is based on clinical safety, ethical prescribing standards, and national prescribing guidance.
Clinical Rationale
- BNF Contraindication: The British National Formulary (BNF), hosted by NICE, explicitly states that:
“Phobic states” are a contraindication for benzodiazepines
🔗 BNF Diazepam – NICE
Fear of flying is classed as a phobic state, and thus benzodiazepines such as diazepam are not appropriate treatments. - Safety Risks During Flights:
o Diazepam can cause excessive sedation, impairing the ability to respond in emergencies.
o It increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility and sedation.
o It may result in paradoxical reactions such as agitation or aggression. - Legal and Ethical Concerns:
o Diazepam is a controlled drug and may be illegal or restricted in several countries.
o Patients may be at risk of legal penalties or detention at international borders.
o Prescribing a controlled drug for a non-licensed, non-clinical indication may violate GMC Good Medical Practice standards.
Alternative Management of Flight Anxiety
We recommend the following non-drug approaches:
- CBT-based therapy for phobias
- Airline-run courses such as:
Review & Exceptions
This policy will be reviewed annually. Exceptions will only be made under specialist care and with formal psychiatric assessment for complex anxiety disorders where benzodiazepines are clinically indicated.