Medical Procedures St Mary’s Surgery does not prescribe diazepam or other sedatives for medical or dental procedures, including MRI scans. If you feel anxious about a procedure, please speak to the hospital team or dentist requesting it, as they are responsible for providing appropriate sedation if needed.
We do not prescribe sedatives for the following reasons:
• Safety Concerns: Sedation needs to be carefully managed by trained professionals. Incorrect dosing can lead to complications, including breathing difficulties.
• Monitoring Requirements: After taking a sedative, patients require monitoring to ensure safety. As we are not present during the procedure, prescribing sedation would be unsafe.
• Hospital & Radiology Policies: The hospital or radiology department has procedures for managing anxious patients. If you require sedation, please contact them directly.
If you experience severe anxiety or claustrophobia, we recommend discussing non-medication coping strategies with the relevant healthcare provider.
Fear of Flying
We do not prescribe diazepam for flight anxiety for the following reasons:
• Safety Risks: Sedatives can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing risks during an emergency.
• Health Concerns: Diazepam can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by reducing movement during flights.
• Legal Issues: Some countries prohibit carrying benzodiazepines, which could lead to legal trouble abroad.
• Limited Effectiveness: Studies suggest benzodiazepines may worsen anxiety over time rather than helping long-term.
Instead, we recommend flight anxiety courses such as:
• British Airways Flying with Confidence: flyingwithconfidence.com (Watch free online videos. Payable course also available)
• Virgin Flying Without Fear: Tips For Nervous Flyers | Advice For Nervous Flyers | Virgin Atlantic (Free online support, podcast. Payable courses also available)
• EasyJet Fearless Flyer: fearlessflyer.easyjet.com (Payable courses available)
Patients who still wish to take sedatives for flying should consult a private GP or travel clinic.
Further Information & References
• NHS Diazepam Information: Diazepam – NHS
• Travel Health Pro – Medicines & Travel Advice: travelhealthpro.org.uk
This policy aligns with best practices and national guidelines to ensure patient safety.