Birbeck Medical Group are only able to provide the following NHS vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (DTP) and Typhoid.
Patients must provide the practice with at least 6 weeks’ notice before the expected date of travel.
Please note that we do not provide a private travel service at this practice and we are unable to offer travel assessments for those with complex travel vaccination requirements or any vaccinations other than those available on the NHS. Should you require further assistance, there are a number of private travel providers as well as numerous websites available for advice and information as follows:
Fear of Flying
After careful consideration, in line with many other GP practices, Birbeck surgery will no longer prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, for patients experiencing fear of flying.
Benzodiazepines were considered revolutionary when they were initially introduced in the 1960s, but over time it became increasingly clear that they had significant drawbacks. Short-term effects include memory impairment, reduced coordination, decreased concentration, and slower reaction times. Long-term use can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, agitation, and confusion. There are also long-term risks, including impacts on cognition and balance. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines have become widely misused and are now a common drug of abuse. In the UK, Diazepam is classified as a Class C / Schedule IV controlled drug.
Why Is Diazepam Not Prescribed for Flying Anxiety?
Safety Risk in Emergencies: Benzodiazepines cause delayed reaction times and slower thinking. In the event of an in-flight emergency, this could impair your ability to respond appropriately, putting your safety, and that of others, at risk.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Although Diazepam may help you fall asleep during a flight, it induces non-REM sleep, which reduces natural movement. This immobility increases the risk of blood clots (DVT), particularly on flights longer than four hours.
Adverse Reactions: While Diazepam is usually sedating, a small percentage of individuals experience the opposite effect: agitation, aggression, or disinhibition. These behaviours could endanger yourself and others, and may lead to legal consequences.
Increased Risks with Alcohol: The combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol magnifies all the risks outlined above.
Guideline Restrictions: The guidance from the BNF prescribing formulary and NICE contraindicates the use of Diazepam for treating phobias and discourages its use for short-term, mild anxiety.
Legal Risks Abroad: In some countries, including parts of the Middle East, it is illegal to import benzodiazepines. They may be confiscated, and you could face legal repercussions.
Link to Dementia: Long-term benzodiazepine use has been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
What you can do instead?
We appreciate that a fear of flying can be a debilitating issue. If you struggle with this problem we would advise other, more effective ways of tackling the problem. This could by either via talking therapy through the local talking therapies service or by attending a fear of flying course.
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/nctalkingtherapies/
British airways: https://flyingwithconfidence.com/
EasyJet: https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/?easyjetstaff=true
Manchester airport: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/passenger-guides/fear-of-flying/