Safety during flights
Sedative medications can impair alertness and reaction time. In an emergency situation, this could prevent someone from responding appropriately to instructions.

Risk of blood clots (DVT)
Sedatives can lead to prolonged immobility and unnatural sleep, increasing the risk of serious blood clots, especially on long flights.

Unpredictable effects
While many people feel sleepy on these medications, a small number experience agitation or aggression, which can be dangerous.

Legal and travel risks
Some countries restrict or ban these medications. Carrying them abroad may result in legal consequences.

National prescribing guidance
UK guidance does not recommend benzodiazepines for phobias such as fear of flying.

Outside NHS GP services
Fear of flying and procedural sedation are not part of NHS GP core services. Sedation for scans should be organised by the hospital or specialist team performing the procedure.

Many people find non-medication approaches more effective and longer lasting. Options include:

• Airline-run fear of flying courses
• Psychological therapies such as CBT
• Breathing, relaxation, and coping techniques

Helpful resources include:

• EasyJet Fearless Flyer – www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com
• British Airways Flying with Confidence – www.flyingwithconfidence.com
• Manchester Airport Fear of Flying Guide
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Without Fear

Clapham Family Practice does not prescribe sedative medication (such as diazepam) for scans or diagnostic procedures, including MRI or CT scans.

This is because sedation needs to be provided safely and appropriately, by the hospital or radiology team carrying out the procedure. These teams are trained, equipped, and able to:

• assess whether sedation is needed

• monitor patients during and after the procedure

• respond immediately if any complications occur

Prescribing sedatives in general practice means the hospital team may be unaware a patient has taken medication, which can be unsafe. There have been serious incidents where patients given sedatives outside hospital settings were not monitored and became unwell during scans.

Sedatives can also have unpredictable effects. Some people may become more agitated rather than calmer, even with small doses, and timing can be difficult if appointments are delayed.

For these reasons, and in line with national guidance, we are unable to prescribe sedatives for imaging or procedures, even if requested by a hospital.

If you are anxious about a scan, please let the hospital or radiology department know in advance. They can assess and arrange appropriate support or sedation safely if needed.

Thank you for your understanding — this policy is in place to keep patients safe.