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Diazepam
Posted or Updated on 13 Feb 2024
Policy May 2019
Due to recent guidance the practice has decided that it will no longer prescribe thses medications for flying. Depending on other health conditions, there are other medications that can be used such as Beta Blockers e.g Propranolol.
The reasons for this include:
- Taking these medications would affect your ability to leave the plane in the event of an accident, this could put your life and others life in danger.
- Taking sedating medications for a flight could increase your risk of a blood clot in your chest (Pulmonary Embolus or PE). A PE could be life threatening.
- Taking these medications can, if taken with alcohol, cause an increase in anxiety.
- Taking these medications could increase the risk of you having breathing problems on a flight where there is less oxygen.
- In some countries these medications are illegal and not permitted.
- In this country these medications are controlled drugs, due to the risk of them being misused and causing harm.
- The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidelines do not receommend their use in this situatuation.
- Benzodiazepines are only advised for crisis treatment of severe generalised anxiety disorder, and acute anxiety emergencies e.g. when patients are admitted to a mental health unit - if you are feeling this anxious it would not be safe to fly.
- There is a risk of becoming addicted to these medications and they have been linked to the development of Dementia.
- If you were to take these medications and drive, this could affect your safety behind the wheel as it can make you feel tired. Some care insurers will not cover you for insurance if you have taken these medications and drive.
Long term if you have problems with anxiety and flying these are courses thast you can consider to help with this fear. Information below:
https://www.fearless-flyer.com
https://www.flyingwithoutfear.com/
https://flyingwithconfidence.com/