✈️ FEAR OF FLYING

Why Newbyres Medical Practice Does Not Prescribe Sedatives for Flying

We understand that fear of flying can be distressing.

However, for safety, clinical and legal reasons, we do not prescribe diazepam or other sedative medications for air travel.

⚠️ Why Sedatives Are Not Recommended

✈️ Flight Safety

Sedatives can:

Cause drowsiness and reduced awareness
Slow reaction times
Affect judgement and coordination
Make responding to emergencies more difficult

❤️ Medical Risks

Sedatives may:

Increase the risk of blood clots (DVT)
Affect breathing at altitude
Cause unexpected reactions such as:
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Increased anxiety
- Disinhibited behaviour

📋 National Guidance

Fear of flying is considered a specific phobia.

National guidance does not support prescribing benzodiazepines, including diazepam, for this condition.

✅ What Can Help Instead?

Fear of Flying Courses

Many airlines provide specialist programmes to build confidence.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A highly effective treatment for specific phobias.

Self-Help Strategies

✅ Relaxation breathing

✅ Mindfulness techniques

✅ Music, podcasts or distraction activities

✅ Informing cabin crew about your anxiety

🌐 Helpful Resources

easyJet Fearless Flyer
fearlessflyer.easyjet.com

Flying Without Fear
flyingwithoutfear.com

British Airways – Flying With Confidence
flyingwithconfidence.com

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
caa.co.uk

Need Further Support?

If your anxiety is severe, persistent, or part of a wider mental health condition, please speak to your GP.

Newbyres Medical Practice

Helping you find the safest and most effective way to manage fear of flying.

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Improving the Cancer Journey service

Living with cancer in the Lothians?
The Improving the Cancer Journey service is here to support you, We’re Here for You.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and many people don’t know where to go for support. Here are some of the ways we can help:

• Money or housing worries
• Work
• Caring responsibilities
• Physical concerns
• Emotional Concerns
• Other types of support

If you are living in the Lothians and have been affected by cancer,
our Improving the Cancer Journey service is here to help you live
as well as possible. We can meet with you to discuss what
matters to you and help you get the right support. We can do
this over the 'phone or online with a video call.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer you might already
have received a letter about us. Don’t worry if you did and
decided not to get in touch- if you want to find out how we can
help now, give us a call or email

Get in touch
0131 537 1500
loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Published on 31st Jul 2025