– The use of benzodiazepines (eg. Diazepam) cause longer reaction times, reduced awareness & slowed thinking, which during a flight will put the passenger at significant risk of not being able to act in a manner which could save their life in the event of a safety critical scenario.
– The use of benzodiazepines has the potential to increase the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
– The sedating effects can reduce respiratory function which has the potential to be life threatening; even more so if there is a combination with alcohol.
– There is the possibility of increased aggression & agitation in patients taking benzodiazepines and this has potential to put other occupants of the aircraft at risk.
– Benzodiazepines are not recommended for people with phobic states.
– For some countries it is illegal to import these drugs & so the passenger will need to use a different strategy for the homeward bound journey & /or any subsequent legs of the journey.
– A study published in 1997 from the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that there is evidence that use of Benzodiazepines stops the normal adjustment response that would gradually lessen anxiety over time and therefore perpetuates and may increase anxiety in the long term, especially if used repeatedly.
– Flight anxiety does not come under the remit of General Medical Services as defined in the GP contract and so we are not obliged to prescribe for this.
– Given the above we will no longer be providing Diazepam for flight anxiety and instead suggest that patients who have fear of flying, research going on fear of flying courses. These are run by several major airlines & sometimes by local airports. We are unfortunately unable to recommend any specific courses.
– Patients who still wish to take benzodiazepines for flight anxiety are advised to consult with a private GP or travel clinic.
