Requesting Sedation for Airline Flights or Other Travel Arrangements
We understand that flying or travelling can cause significant anxiety for some people, and it’s natural to want to feel more relaxed during the journey. In the past, we have considered these requests on a case-by-case basis. However, following a review of the safety concerns and due to growing demands on NHS services, it is now the Practice’s policy not to prescribe sedating medication, such as diazepam, for travel-related anxiety, including flights or for any procedures outside of the surgery (including hospital or dental treatments).
Sedating medications, particularly those from the benzodiazepine group like diazepam, carry several important risks:
- They can cause unexpected side effects such as aggression, agitation, or impaired judgement, especially in stressful situations like emergencies during a flight.
- They may reduce a person’s ability to respond or move quickly in an emergency, which could pose a risk to themselves, other passengers, and airline staff.
- Sedatives are sometimes mixed with alcohol during travel, which can produce unpredictable and dangerous effects.
- There is an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to reduced movement during long flights.
- Sedation can impair driving ability, and new drug-driving laws may affect your ability to drive safely after your journey.
National guidelines, including those from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), recommend managing flight anxiety through psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be safe and effective. Benzodiazepines are not recommended for fear of flying and should only be used in short-term crises within generalised anxiety disorder, in which case, the individual would not be fit to fly.
Some airlines offer fear-of-flying courses, which may be helpful. For example:
- EasyJet Fearless Flyer – http://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/
- British Airways Flying With Confidence – https://www.flyingwithconfidence.com
If you are considering in-flight medication, you may wish to consult a private travel clinic. However, it is Acorn Surgery’s firm policy not to prescribe sedating medication for travel or for any procedures carried out outside of our practice.
Requesting Sedation for Forthcoming Procedure, eg Dental Appointment
We understand that procedures like MRI scans or dental treatments can feel very stressful, and you may be looking for ways to feel more at ease, including asking about sedation. At Acorn Surgery, we genuinely want to support your health and wellbeing in every way we can.
However, we are not able to prescribe sedatives such as diazepam for any procedures or scans carried out outside the practice. This includes hospital-based imaging, dental procedures, and other external treatments.
If You Feel You Need Sedation
Please speak directly to the team providing your care, whether at the hospital, dental clinic, or scanning centre. They are responsible for ensuring you receive the appropriate care, including sedation if it’s needed, and are best placed to manage it safely. Most NHS hospitals and other providers have specialist protocols in place to offer sedation in a controlled and monitored setting.
Why This Policy Is in Place
Our decision is based on patient safety and national clinical guidelines. We want you to feel safe and well cared for throughout any procedure. Here’s why GPs do not prescribe sedation for external procedures:
Your Safety Comes First: Sedatives can affect your breathing and consciousness. If not given and monitored by trained professionals, they can be dangerous.
Specialist Monitoring Is Required: GPs are not regularly involved or trained in sedation practices. Hospital and dental teams have the expertise and equipment to manage sedation safely.
Unpredictable Effects: While sedatives usually make people feel calm, they can occasionally cause agitation or other unexpected reactions.
Timing Matters: Procedures often run late, and sedatives taken too early may wear off or have unintended effects.
Guidance from Medical Bodies: The Royal College of Radiologists recommend that only trained teams administer and monitor sedation, and GPs are not included in this guidance.
We appreciate that this may be disappointing, especially if you are feeling anxious. Please know that this policy is designed with your safety and care in mind. The well-being of our patients as our top priority.
You’re welcome to show this letter to your hospital or dental team to help explain the situation.
Thank you for your understanding.