For CT and MRI scans
We at Brecon Medical Group Practice are unable to prescribe sedative drugs for our patients to take prior to having a CT or MRI scan for the following reasons:
The Royal College of Radiologists sets out clear guidance that safe and effective sedation for radiological scans should be delivered by an appropriately trained and credentialed team, with a pre-procedure assessment, sedation plan and checklist completed for every patient, and that there should be appropriate monitoring and availability of resuscitation equipment and reversal agents throughout the scan.
Small doses of sedatives such as 2mg diazepam are probably not sufficient for effective sedation in most adults. They can sometimes cause adverse reactions and even small doses can cause agitation in some individuals.
Taking sedatives before a procedure which is then delayed can lead to unpredictable dosing requirements; additional doses may increase risks and possible side effects.
Sedation for procedures is not something that GPs are trained to do. Hospital consultants who request and oversee scans are able to prescribe medications which might be used for sedation in these situations. If you are concerned about requiring sedation for a scan which we are requesting, please let us know so we can communicate that concern to the radiology department at the time of requesting the scan.
For Fear of flying
We at Brecon Medical Group Practice are unable to prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. This is for the following reasons:
Sedatives such as benzodiazepines can make you sleepy and more relaxed, which is why people request them for times of anxiety. If there is an in-flight emergency they can impair your ability to react appropriately and follow instructions. This could have serious safety implications.
Sedative drugs can make people fall asleep, however this is not a natural sleep and people who have taken sedatives tend to move around less. This can cause in increased risk of developing a blood clot in the leg or lung, which can be very dangerous. The risk of blood clots is already higher during a long haul flight.
Some sedative drugs can cause increased agitation and aggression, which can prove dangerous during a flight.
Prescribing guidelines laid out in the British National Formulary do not list phobias as a licensed use for sedative drugs. If you have a phobia of flying, which we appreciate can be very difficult, there are Fear of Flying courses run by airlines, which can have a more long-lasting impact.