Why We Do Not Prescribe Diazepam

At the cottons medical practice, we understand that fear of flying can be very distressing. However, in line with NHS guidance and current clinical best practice, we do not prescribe diazepam (or similar medications such as lorazepam or temazepam) for flight-related anxiety.

This decision is made for important medical, safety, and legal reasons, which are explained below.

NHS and National Guidance

• Diazepam is not licensed for phobias or situational anxiety such as fear of flying.
• The British National Formulary (BNF) states that benzodiazepines should only be used short-term for severe anxiety that is disabling or occurs in crisis—not for phobias.
• NHS England and local prescribing committees advise against the use of sedatives for travel anxiety due to their risks, lack of long-term effectiveness, and potential for harm.

What You Can Do Instead

We strongly recommend non-drug-based strategies, which are safer and more effective in the long term:

• Fear of Flying Courses, often run by airlines:
  • British Airways – Flying With Confidence
  • Virgin Atlantic – Flying Without Fear
  • EasyJet – Fearless Flyer

These programs offer psychological tools and exposure techniques proven to reduce flight anxiety.