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Fear of Flying

Following a review of prescribing policies, the Practice has decided to discontinue prescribing sedatives, such as diazepam and temazepam, for managing flight anxiety. Below is an overview of the rationale behind this decision.

Why Sedatives Are No Longer Prescribed for Flight Anxiety

  1. Clinical Guidelines
    • According to the British National Formulary (BNF), benzodiazepines like diazepam are not recommended for treating phobias or mild anxiety.
    • Prescribing such medications for fear of flying falls outside approved guidelines, posing legal and ethical risks for doctors.
  2. Safety Concerns During Flights
    • Sedatives can impair alertness and reaction times, potentially compromising safety during an emergency evacuation.
    • These medications may increase the risk of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) during long flights due to reduced movement during unnatural sleep.
  3. Unpredictable Side Effects
    • While sedatives are typically calming, some individuals may experience agitation, aggression, or disinhibition, which could pose risks to themselves and other passengers.
  4. Legal and Practical Issues
    • Diazepam and similar medications are controlled substances and may be illegal in some countries, leading to confiscation or legal trouble.
    • Managing these medications across multi-leg journeys can be challenging, especially if prescriptions are unavailable abroad.
  5. Insurance Implications
    • Failure to declare medications and conditions to travel insurers could void policies, leaving individuals without coverage.

Alternatives for Managing Fear of Flying

The aviation industry recommends professional flight anxiety courses, which have proven to be effective. Examples include:

Additionally, smartphone meditation or relaxation apps may help manage anxiety.

Further points for consideration:

Flight anxiety is not classified as a General Medical Services (GMS) condition under the GP contract, and GPs are not obligated to prescribe medications for this purpose. Patients who still wish to use sedatives are advised to consult a private GP.

For more information on diazepam and related medications, visit the NHS website.

References and Further Information:

Fly Vaccination Information

Influenza immunisation protects effectively against ‘true’ influenza. This vaccination is offered to all patients aged 65 and over and those less than 65 years with any long term condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and COPD, as well as those on long term steroids or immunosuppressants. This service is available from the beginning of October each year. Any patient fulfilling any of these criteria should contact the practice nurse to discuss having a routine vaccination each winter.

Travel Vaccinations

If you require vaccinations for foreign travel, please book an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel plans. This includes reviewing the countries and specific areas you plan to visit to determine the necessary vaccinations.

Planning Your Vaccinations:

  • Early Preparation: Schedule your initial appointment 6–12 weeks before your travel date to allow enough time for a full vaccination course.
  • Complete the Travel Questionnaire: Appointments cannot be booked until we receive your completed Travel Questionnaire. You can click on this link (Travel Vacc Form.doc) to gain access to the softcopy, or walk into our practice to get a hardcopy form.
  • Follow-Up Appointment: Some vaccines are not routinely stocked and need to be ordered. Ensure your second appointment is at least two weeks before you travel to allow time for the vaccines to take effect.

Additional Information

Detailed information about vaccination requirements for specific regions can be found via the links below:

Important Notes

  • Not all travel vaccinations are covered by the NHS. Some may require a private prescription or payment.
  • You can book your GP appointment using our online system.
  • For more information, visit the Travel Vaccinations page on the NHS website.