Why we don’t prescribe diazepam
The British National Formulary states that diazepam should not be used for phobias, including fear of flying.
Risks and side effects
- Unexpected effects: Some people experience increased anxiety, agitation, hostility or aggression instead of feeling calmer
- Reduced alertness: This affects your safety and ability to react appropriately
- Reduced mobility: This increases the risk of blood clots (DVT) during long flights
- Slowed breathing: Diazepam can slow your breathing, which may be more problematic on flights, where oxygen levels are lower
- Limited effectiveness: It should not be used for phobias and the risks outweigh any potential benefit
Legal and insurance issues
Diazepam is a controlled medicine (a medication with strict legal restrictions). This means:
- You cannot take it on the return leg of flights to certain destinations abroad
- Carrying it may invalidate your travel insurance
Alternative options
For fear of flying:
- Fear of flying courses with practical anxiety management techniques – offered by many airlines
- Self-help approaches such as breathing exercises and guided relaxation
- Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which are effective for treating phobias