Sedatives for Flying & Procedures

  

Sedative Prescribing for Fear of Flying, Radiology Investigations and Dental Procedures

 

Prescribing sedatives for anxiety disorders is not recommended in the UK.  Prescribers at Medwyn Surgery DO NOT prescribe sedatives for phobias.

Prescription of Benzodiazepines: Due to their potential for misuse, dependency, and side effects, the prescription of benzodiazepines (like diazepam) for short-term use in anxiety-related conditions (e.g., fear of flying) is not recommended.

Sedatives can make you drowsy which can cause several issues during/after a flight or procedure:

1.      If there is an emergency during the flight/procedure you may put yourself and others at risk if you are drowsy and not able to follow instructions.

2.      If you are sleepy during a flight, you are less likely to move around the cabin and this may increase your risk of developing a blood clot (especially if your flight is more than four hours).

3.      When you arrive at your destination or following your procedure, your ability to drive may be affected; sedatives have found to be a factor in many road traffic accidents.

4.      Occasionally some sedatives can also change the way you behave causing agitation, disinhibition or aggression and can impair your judgement.

5.      Potential side effects include confusion or dizziness.

If you are having a dental procedure or MRI/CT/etc, please make the team who will be looking after you aware of your anxiety before your appointment.  They will be better able to support you and offer advice.  If a sedative is required/appropriate for the procedure they can prescribe it.

For fear of flying see the websites below for advice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques which offer a long term solution.

Fear of flying? Here are eight steps you can take

Tips For Nervous Flyers | Advice For Nervous Flyers | Virgin Atlantic

Flying With Confidence

Fear of flying | easyJet

March 2025

Published on 22 April 2025