Washway Road Medical Centre would like to draw your attention to the options below for individuals who suffer from Flight Anxiety
The following flight anxiety courses have been positively reviewed and are easily accessible and free for those who wish to fly & conquer their fear of flying.
- Easy Jet https://www.fearless-flyer.com/ Tel 0203 8131644
- British Airways Our courses | Flying With Confidence Tel 01252 793250
- Virgin Tips For Nervous Flyers | Advice For Nervous Flyers | Virgin Atlantic Tel 01423 714900
More guidance on how to manage a fear of flying and flying anxiety can be found here:
How to manage a fear of flying and flying anxiety | Patient
https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/passenger-guides/fear-of-flying/
While previously you may have received a prescription for Diazepam or other sedative there are several reasons for not prescribing for flight anxiety
- The use of any sort of benzodiazepines causes longer reaction times & slowed thinking. During a flight this could put you at significant risk of not being able to act in a manner which could save your life, or that of other passengers in the event of an emergency.
- The use of such sedative drugs can make you fall asleep. This means you won’t move around as much. This can cause you to be at an increased risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) in the leg or even the lungs. Blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal.
- Whilst most people find benzodiazepines like diazepam sedating, a small number become agitated and aggressive. This could also impact on your own safety and that of other passengers.
- Flight anxiety does not come under the remit of General Medical Services as defined in the GP contract and so we are not obliged to prescribe for this.
After reading this guidance, if you still wish to consider medication for flight anxiety then please consider a private GP or travel clinic. Washway Road Medical Centre will not prescribe sedatives for flights.
Thank you
The GP Partners, Washway Road Medical Centre
