Prescriptions

Practice Statement: Prescribing Policy for Fear of Flying

Lowther Medical Centre has reviewed its prescribing practices and will no longer prescribe diazepam or other benzodiazepines for patients experiencing fear of flying. This decision aligns with current NHS guidance and best-practice recommendations regarding the use of these medicines for specific phobias and situational anxiety. In addition, airlines generally do not recommend the use of sedative medications for air travel.

The rationale for this change includes concerns about patient safety, the potential for adverse effects such as sedation, impaired concentration, reduced reaction times, and the risk of dependence. In addition, benzodiazepines may impair a patient's ability to respond appropriately in the event of an in-flight emergency and can increase the risk of complications during prolonged periods of immobility.
Patients seeking support for fear of flying will be encouraged to access alternative evidence-based approaches, such as airline-run fear of flying courses, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and self-help resources designed to address anxiety and phobias.

This policy applies to all patients registered with Lowther Medical Centre. There will be no exceptions, and requests for diazepam or similar medications for fear of flying will not be prescribed by the practice.

This approach ensures prescribing remains safe, consistent, evidence-based, and in line with NHS recommendations.

Practice Statement: Medication for Altitude Sickness

Lowther Medical Centre will not prescribe medication for the prevention or treatment of altitude sickness, including requests related to travel to high-altitude destinations.

Altitude sickness prevention is considered part of travel health planning and is not routinely provided under NHS general practice services. Patients requiring assessment, advice, or medication for altitude sickness should seek support from a private travel clinic, where an individual risk assessment can be undertaken based on their destination, planned altitude, medical history, and travel itinerary.

Private travel clinics are able to provide specialist advice on altitude-related illness and, where appropriate, prescribe medications such as acetazolamide. They can also offer comprehensive travel health assessments and advice on measures to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
This policy applies to all patients registered with Lowther Medical Centre. Requests for medication to prevent or treat altitude sickness will be declined, and patients will be encouraged to seek advice from a private travel clinic.

This approach ensures that travel-related healthcare is managed through the most appropriate specialist services, allowing the practice to focus NHS resources on core medical services while maintaining safe and consistent prescribing practices.

Practice Statement: Medication to Delay Periods

Lowther Medical Centre will not routinely prescribe medication to delay periods for non-medical reasons, such as holidays, special events, or personal convenience, except in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear clinical need.

Requests for medication, such as norethisterone, for these purposes are considered a personal healthcare need rather than an NHS-funded treatment. Patients who wish to delay their periods are encouraged to seek advice and treatment through pharmacy services, such as online pharmacies, where appropriate assessment and prescribing may be available.
This policy applies to all patients registered with Lowther Medical Centre. Requests for medication to delay periods will not routinely be prescribed by the practice.

This approach supports the responsible use of NHS resources while ensuring patients can continue to access appropriate treatment through alternative healthcare services.

Practice Statement: Prescribing for Cosmetic Purposes

Lowther Medical Centre will not prescribe medication for cosmetic purposes, including treatments for male pattern hair loss such as finasteride.

Cosmetic treatments are not routinely funded by the NHS and fall outside the scope of core NHS prescribing. Requests for medications intended solely to improve appearance, rather than to treat a medical condition, should be sought through appropriate private healthcare providers.

Patients seeking treatment for hair loss or other cosmetic concerns are encouraged to seek advice from a private services or specialist clinics, where treatment options, benefits, risks, and costs can be discussed in full.

This policy applies to all patients registered with Lowther Medical Centre. Medications requested for cosmetic purposes, including finasteride for hair loss, will be declined.

This approach supports the appropriate use of NHS resources and ensures that prescribing within the practice remains focused on treatments for clinical conditions and essential healthcare needs.