Prescription Request

 

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If you are requesting medicine that is not on your repeat prescription list, please fill out the reason section to help speed up the process. Remember, we are not giving out more than two months' worth of prescriptions at a time.

Let us know your chosen pharmacy so we can send your prescription directly to them. This will save you a trip.

If you are requesting something not on your repeat list, the doctor needs a reason for the request. Without this, you might not get the prescription. This is for safety and helps speed up the process for non-repeat items.

For safety, we do not accept requests for repeat medication over the phone.

 
 

Ordering Prescriptions Online

You can use our online services to order repeat prescriptions if you are registered: 

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Repeat Prescribing Policy

We aim to process repeat prescription requests within five working days, Most prescriptions can be sent electronically to a patient's nominated pharmacy.

Acute medication requests may take slightly longer to process, as they require review and authorisation by a clinician before they can be issued.

Prescription requests can be made:

  • In writing using the repeat prescription request slip.
  • Online through SystmOnline or the NHS App.
  • Through your nominated pharmacy or appliance contractor, where this service is available.

We do not accept repeat prescription requests by telephone.

Most repeat medications can be requested up to 14 days before they are due. Requests made earlier than this may be considered in exceptional circumstances, but patients should provide a reason for the early request, for example a planned holiday or travel.

Prescriptions are normally issued for 28 or 56 days' supply, depending on the patient's clinical circumstances and the medication prescribed. Concerns regarding inappropriate use of medication may require a review appointment with a clinician before further prescriptions are issued.

All patients receiving long-term repeat medication require regular medication reviews. Patients will be informed when a review is due, and repeat prescriptions may be limited until the review has been completed.

 

Prescribing Diazepam for fear of flying: 

Patients sometimes ask for diazepam for fear of flying, but prescribing this drug is not recommended for several reasons:

  1. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and relaxed. In an emergency, this could impair your ability to react and follow instructions, which is dangerous for you and others.

  2. Sedatives can increase the risk of developing blood clots (DVT) because you move less in your sleep. Blood clots can be very dangerous and even fatal, especially on flights longer than 4 hours.

  3. While most people find diazepam calming, some people may become more agitated and aggressive. It can also lead to disinhibition, causing you to act in ways you normally wouldn't, which can be unsafe and get you into trouble with the law.

  4. According to guidelines, benzodiazepines like diazepam are not allowed for treating phobias. Prescribing them for flying fear would be against these guidelines. If you have severe anxiety, you should seek proper care for your mental health, not take a flight.

  5. Diazepam is illegal in some countries, and carrying it might get you in trouble with the police.

  6. Diazepam stays in your system for a long time. If your job requires drug testing, you might fail after taking diazepam.

We understand that fear of flying is very real. A better approach is to take a Fear of Flying course run by airlines. Here are some courses you can consider.