People sometimes call the Practice requesting a prescription for diazepam for fear of flying or to assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which makes you more relaxed and sleepy. There are a number of reasons where prescribing the drug is not recommended. Our doctors follow the British National Formulary for prescribing. Diazepam is ‘contraindicated’ (not permitted) for treating phobias e.g. fear of flying. The Formulary also states that benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) to treat short term anxiety are inappropriate. Your doctor will be taking a significant risk by prescribing against these guidelines. Although emergencies during a flight occur rarely, there are concerns that passengers taking diazepam have reduced awareness and reaction times which might pose a risk for themselves and others due to not being able to react in an appropriate manner in the event of an on board emergency.