Will a doctor prescribe diazepam for a long haul flight?

[LudlowStreet]

Not scared for flying or anything. Just have a long overnight flight, arrives at destination in the morning, and I'm sat in economy. If I take some diazepam I should be able to sleep, if I don't, I won't.

MNHQ - I think my post was hidden because I mentioned a brand name that I'm prescribed - nothing sinister. Can you unblock?

I had a rebound reaction to diazepam. Got extremely agitated and, whilst I didn’t get aggressive directly towards people, I did get physical with a couple of doors that I couldn’t get open (they were locked!). It was fine, albeit a bit scary, as I was in a medical setting and they knew I’d been given it… wouldn’t have been good on a plane!

Well with that attitude of course you're not going to sleep. Just don't get much sleep the night before and you'll be fine falling asleep.

These kind of threads I read shaking my head .
I find the logic that using the nhs to have a drug induced sleep when people with ill health are struggling to get appointments .

It is not only a waste of Go’s time . The cost of a nhs prescription on top is not something that should be supported.

Can you not just read a book or do crosswords?

Or as a pp suggests, sleep less the night before ...?

@DancingArucanaFeather that sounds scary!
Was that the first time you had taken it?

I had them prescribed years ago (literally 2 pills) for a 12hr night flight as I had severe fear of flying (not any more) and was flying alone. Didn't end up taking them in the end. Don't think they prescribe them anymore.

Well if you'd read the thread, you'd see I wasn't planning on trying to get an NHS appointment (you can't get one anyway even if I wanted one). I don't want to spend money on a private GP only to be told 'no'.

I doubt a private GP, who doesn’t have access to your full medical history, would say yes to a controlled drug. Even if it’s for a piddly dose.

You haven't still got them have you ?

It wasn’t directed at just you ..

There seems an idea it is reasonable to take drugs ( prescribed or over the counter ) to sleep through a flight ..

it seems like a change of approach is needed .

Yes - It was the first time. I don’t know whether it always happens on the first dose if it’s going to happen.

I think clearly for first timers it needs to be given with great caution esp afterwards dancing experience!!

However it's patronising to say how experienced users will be react.
It's our NHS, our health and if we want someone on a flight knowing it won't fall asleep etc then they should give ut6

Street valium is a serious problem in Scotland..many deaths attributed to it.

No because it's completely unnecessary and can be harmful?? Isn't that obvious?

If you said you were afraid of flying and got panic when you had to get on to a plane you might get 4 pills. 2 for flight over and 2 for flight back. When my dearest aunty died and I felt totally overwhelmed and had to organise funeral my GP gave me 1 pill a day for a week. I've never needed them again. A few odd tablets won't make you addicted.

I'm in EU and have to pay for GP and scripts. I cannot take anything like night nurse/anti histamines or melatonin due to cardiac (and other) health issues.

So without any fuss at all, my GP prescribes 10 x 5mg benzodiazepine each month. I would use one if having a bad Afib (cardiac rhythm issue) episode and it calms me down, it doesn't stop the Afib but it helps ME.

I have now built up a stash since I haven't used many and will ask GP to reduce the 10 to 5 or less per month at next appt.

GP tells me every time that it's a controlled drug and to only take if needed, see above... But he understands why having them on hand is important for me. I don't need them for flying, but I'd say I would be given two or three if I asked.

I feel sorry for those who are very anxious and panicky about flying. I suppose a private script is the way to go. Worth the money for a better journey. I doubt anyone is going to become an addict having taken one tablet each way now are they?

I remember when my sibling died in the 90s, my lovely dear auntie can round about an hour before the funeral started and gave us all a tablet of something. Bless her, it made such a difference and made it much easier to get through. I never asked and didn't know what it was, I think it was diazepam.

I do think about DVT, especially as a young relative died from a blood clot (not flight related). I always take half an aspirin just boarding a long flight anyway.

Yes I have been prescribed on the last few months for flying. No, not all doctors are the same. No, I’ve never ever had a problem getting it when I explain why I need it and how infrequently that is.

Every thread on Valium people insist because their doctor won’t prescribe it that none will. It’s just not true, it’s a very prescribed drug!

It's such a gruelling journey coming. Overnight flight- 10 hour wait - another overnight flight arriving in final destination in the morning so I can't (shouldn't) just sleep when I get there. Have to go for various reasons and direct was massively more expensive and unaffordable. I really do just want to sleep through both flights. I don't sleep easily (or at all) on planes. I have taken diazepam for flights before and its worked a treat, slept right through.

Get a decent eye mask and some ear plugs. Not a prescription for an addictive drug.

Try the Zopiclone
Honestly I never ask for diazepam now only this
It's changed long haul flying for us

Also some of the OTT responses on here are hilarious
MN is full of pearl clutchers who won't ask for a drug from a GP but will rush to A&E for their dcs swollen finger