Practice Policy on Diazepam (Valium)

Why We Don’t Give It for Flying or Medical Procedures
This page explains why our doctors do not give people Diazepam (also called Valium) if they are scared of flying or for medical or dental procedures. All the doctors at our practice agree on this rule. We follow advice from medical experts and want to keep everyone safe.
Fear of Flying
  1. It Can Be Unsafe During an Emergency
    Diazepam makes you feel sleepy and calm. But on a plane, this can be dangerous. If there is an emergency, you might not be able to think clearly or follow instructions. This could put you and others in danger.
  2. It Can Raise the Risk of Blood Clots
    When you sleep in an unnatural way (like with medication), you might not move much. On long flights, this can lead to blood clots in your legs, which is very serious and can be life-threatening.
  3. It Can Cause Strange Reactions
    Some people do not get sleepy from Diazepam. Instead, they may get upset, angry, or behave in a risky way. This could be dangerous on a plane and could even cause legal trouble.
  4. Doctors Are Told Not to Use It for Flying Fears
    UK medical rules say Diazepam should not be used for fear of flying. It’s only allowed for very short-term anxiety. Giving it for flying could cause legal problems for the doctor.
  5. It’s Illegal in Some Countries
    In some countries, Diazepam is banned. If you take it there, it could be taken away, and you might get into legal trouble.
  6. It Can Affect Drug Tests
    Diazepam stays in your body for a long time. If you have a job that tests for drugs, this medicine could show up on the test and cause problems.
Medical or Dental Procedures
  1. Only Trained Staff Should Give Sedation
    If you need to be made sleepy for a medical or dental procedure, it should be done by a trained person like a hospital doctor or dentist. Your GP (family doctor) is not allowed to give this kind of medicine for these situations.
  2. For Dental Work
    The rules say sedation must be given at the dentist’s office just before your treatment. Always talk to your dentist early if you think you’ll need it.
How to Get Help for Fear of Flying
We understand that flying can be scary. Instead of using Diazepam, we suggest looking into special courses to help you with your fear of flying. Many airlines offer these courses to help you feel more comfortable when you fly.
Here are some examples:
We hope this information helps you understand why we don’t prescribe Diazepam for fear of flying or medical procedures. If you have any questions or need help with anything else, don’t hesitate to ask us!