Fear of flying

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (commonly known as Valium) can impair memory, coordination, concentration and reaction time in the short term. They carry a risk of dependency, and withdrawal may trigger seizures, hallucinations, agitation and disorientation. Over the long term, these drugs have been linked to declines in cognitive function and balance.

This brief guide explains the concerns associated with using benzodiazepines for air travel anxiety and why our practice no longer issues such prescriptions for that purpose.

There are several compelling reasons why prescribing benzodiazepines for flying is ill-advised.

As a sedative, diazepam induces sleepiness and relaxation. In the event of an in-flight emergency, this drowsiness could hinder your ability to stay focused, comply with crew instructions or react swiftly, endangering both you and other passengers.

Sedatives promote an unnatural, non-REM sleep in which movement is minimal. Prolonged immobility—especially on flights longer than four hours—increases the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by blood clots.

While most individuals become calm after taking benzodiazepines, a small minority experience paradoxical effects, becoming agitated or aggressive. Disinhibition may lead to uncharacteristic behaviour, putting your safety and that of fellow travellers at risk, and possibly resulting in legal consequences.

According to the British National Formulary, diazepam is contraindicated for phobic disorders and deemed inappropriate for mild, short-term anxiety. Prescribing it for fear of flying would violate national guidelines, expose your doctor to legal liability and exceed the drug’s licensed indication, which is limited to short-term crisis management in generalized anxiety disorder.

Diazepam is classified as a Class C/Schedule IV controlled drug in the UK and is similarly regulated or prohibited in many other countries. Possession abroad can lead to confiscation or legal trouble.

With its long half-life, diazepam remains in your system for days, risking positive results in random drug tests required by certain employers.

We understand how distressing aviophobia can be. However, airline-approved fear-of-flying courses offer a safer, more effective solution without the adverse effects of benzodiazepines, and their benefits extend well beyond the completion of the programme.