Medications For Flying

Medications For Flying

Benzodiazepines for Flying Policy

Patients occasionally request benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, or clonazepam) to manage flying anxiety or help with sleep during flights. However, we are unable to prescribe these medications for the following reasons:

  1. Safety during emergencies: Although emergencies on planes are rare, benzodiazepines reduce awareness and reaction times, which could prevent you from responding quickly in a life-threatening situation. This may also endanger others if you block exits or require assistance.
  2. Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): These drugs can induce unnaturally deep sleep, leading to less movement during the flight. Lack of movement increases the risk of developing blood clots (Deep Vain Thrombosis – DVT), which can be life-threatening. The risk is especially high on flights longer than four hours.
  3. Cognitive and physical side effects: Benzodiazepines can impair memory, coordination, concentration, and reaction times. Long-term use may lead to addiction, and withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and confusion. These drugs are also frequently abused and are classified as controlled substances in the UK.
  4. Inappropriate for mild anxiety: Medical guidelines specify that benzodiazepines should not be used for mild anxiety, such as fear of flying. They are only recommended for short-term use during a generalised anxiety crisis. However, if you are experiencing such a crisis, it may not be safe for you to fly.
  5. Potential for agitation and aggression: Some individuals experience agitation or aggressive behaviour after taking benzodiazepines, which can cause disruptions on the flight and potentially result in legal trouble. Similar issues occur with alcohol consumption, sometimes leading to passengers being removed from flights.
  6. Long-term effects on anxiety: Research suggests that benzodiazepines may interfere with the natural process of overcoming anxiety, potentially worsening it over time, especially with repeated use.
  7. Legal issues abroad: Benzodiazepines are illegal in some countries, and bringing them could result in the medication being confiscated or legal penalties being imposed.

For these reasons, we do not prescribe benzodiazepines for flight anxiety. Instead, we recommend the following aviation industry recommended flight anxiety courses:

Alternatively, you may consider speaking with a local talking therapy service:
https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk

Page created: 16th September 2024

Page updated: 16th September 2024