We offer a full travel advice and immunisation service.

If you are travelling abroad please book an appointment at the travel clinic in plenty of time (we recommend 6-8 weeks) before your journey.

Important Information

We understand that fear of flying can be distressing, and some patients request medications such as Diazepam to help with this. However, as a practice, we no longer prescribe Diazepam or similar sedative medications for flight anxiety, and here’s why:

 1. Clinical Guidelines Do Not Support It

According to the British National Formulary (BNF)—the prescribing guide all UK doctors follow—benzodiazepines like Diazepam are not appropriate for treating phobias, including fear of flying. They are only licensed for short-term use in cases of generalised anxiety disorder during a crisis, not for isolated phobias or fear of flying.

Prescribing against this guidance could put both the patient and clinician at risk, including legal consequences.

 2. Safety Concerns During Flights

Sedatives reduce alertness and reaction time. In an emergency onboard (e.g., evacuation), this could:

• Impair your ability to respond or follow instructions.
• Put you and others at increased risk.

Additionally, some people experience paradoxical reactions—such as agitation, aggression, or disinhibition—which can pose a serious risk on a flight and even lead to legal trouble.

3. Increased Risk of Blood Clots (DVT)

Diazepam induces unnatural, non-REM sleep, which reduces movement. Lack of mobility on flights (especially longer than 4 hours) already increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Taking sedatives can further raise this risk, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

 4. Legal Issues Abroad

Benzodiazepines are controlled substances and may be illegal in some countries. You could face:

• Confiscation of the medication.
• Legal consequences at your destination.
• Travel disruption if you rely on a medication you can’t take back with you.

5. Insurance Implications

Not declaring the use of such medication or a fear of flying to your travel insurer could invalidate your insurance.

What You Can Do Instead:

We recommend considering one of the following flight anxiety programmes, which are supported by aviation professionals:

• Fly and Be Calm
• Fearless Flyer – easyJet
• Flying With Confidence – British Airways
• Flying Without Fear

Please Note:

Fear of flying is not covered under General Medical Services (NHS GP contracts), so we are not obliged to prescribe for this. If you still wish to pursue medication, you may wish to consult a private GP.

We hope you understand our decision, which is made in the interest of your safety and the wellbeing of all passengers.

Travel advice is covered by the NHS, however some vaccinations and prescriptions are only available privately.  These costs vary and will be discussed with you at the time of your appointment.

Payment for non-NHS services must be made at the first travel appointment and all payments to the surgery are card only.