Changes in Fear of Flying Sedation

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Prescribing of Sedation for Fear of Flying

Due to a medical safety alert update from an aviation trained doctor we have been advised that the prescription of sedating drugs called Benzodiazepines (Diazepam / Lorazepam / Temazepam or Midazolam) is no longer advisable to treat fear of flying.

We have taken the decision to put our patients’ safety first and to follow this guidance. The reasons for this new advice are as follows:-

  1. The use of Benzodiazepines causes longer reaction times and slowed thinking, which during a flight would put the passenger at significant risk of not being able to act in a manner which could save their life in the event of safety critical scenario. This may also put other passengers and airline staff at risk.
  2. The use of Benzodiazepines has a potential to increase the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
  3. The sedating effects can affect breathing in some individuals, which has the potential to be life threatening, even more so if there is a combination with alcohol.
  4. There is a possibility of increased aggression; this has been reported by patients taking Benzodiazepines and therefore there is potential to put other occupants of the aircraft at risk.
  5. The law in some countries states it is illegal to import these drugs and therefore the passenger would need to use a different strategy for the homeward bound journey and/or any other subsequent legs of the journey.

There are of course, fear of flying courses widely advertised and available which can be very useful to patients who have flying phobia.