Can pilots be on antidepressants?

The FAA allows a pilot's use of these medications on a case-by-case basis and requires a special issuance medical certificate. If the pilot continues to take the SSRI, they would have to go through additional examinations to maintain their flight status, Ison says.

Are antidepressants approved by FAA?

The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.

Can pilots take anxiety medicine?

The SSRI pathway only allows consideration for pilots who take fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), or sertraline (Zoloft). Other antidepressants do not have a Special Issuance pathway. It does not matter if the antidepressant was taken for a medical problem.

Can you be a pilot if you have mental health?

The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

What medications disqualify you from being a pilot?

Mental Health of Pilots

Can a pilot be on an SSRI?

To reapply for regular issuance, the applicant must be off the SSRI for a minimum of 60 days with a favorable report from the treating physician indicating stable mood and no aeromedically significant side effects.

Can pilots fly on Prozac?

Four of the SSRI medications have been acceptable to the FAA since April 2010, Prozac (fluoxetine); Zoloft (sertraline); Celexa (citalopram); and Lexapro (escitalopram). There are two pathways that airmen can take to gain medical certification when they have had a bout with depression.

Why can't pilots go to therapy?

The FAA bars pilots from the cockpit if they report seeking regular talk therapy for even mild anxiety or depression; this may last for months and sometimes even years based on the assumption they pose an unacceptable risk to safety.

Why can't pilots take antidepressants?

Antidepressants can sometimes cause fatigue, insomnia, blurred vision, dizziness, and agitation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Can Air Force pilots take antidepressants?

For military pilots, it can be a career-ender. Air Force pilots and navigators diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are taken off flight status, and pilots on flying duty aren't allowed to use common antidepressants like Zoloft and Prozac, even when effective, for fear of possible side-effects.

Does the FAA allow Xanax?

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has a list of these medications that are not allowed for pilots who hold FAA-issued medical certificates, because the FAA has determined that they have the potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. Xanax is one of these medications.

Do antidepressants show up on background checks?

Antidepressants do not show up as antidepressants on standard drug tests. The lab would have to do specific additional tests to look for antidepressants. Sometimes, however, an antidepressant will trigger a false positive on a drug test, showing up on the test as an amphetamine or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Can an airline pilot take Lexapro?

Even though you may be denied, you can still get a medical certificate if you are currently using Lexapro. Lexapro is one of four selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (“SSRI”) medications which can be approved for use under a special issuance authorization.

Can a pilot be prescribed Adderall?

Commonly-prescribed Disqualifying ADHD Meds you cannot take if you want to fly: Adderall. Concerta. Ritalin.

Is Zoloft FAA approved?

The four SSRI's approved for use by the FAA are fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), Citalopram (Celexa®) and escitalopram (Lexapro®).

How do pilots deal with anxiety?

A: People who are prone to getting nervous usually do not make it through flight training. Pilots are extensively trained and this training provides the confidence to fly in adverse conditions. The training and confidence overcome any nervousness.

Can pilots be bipolar?

So What Is Allowed, According to the FAA? Certain medical conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, and severe personality disorder automatically disqualify a pilot from obtaining an FAA medical certificate and prohibit them from flying.

Can I be a pilot with ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.

Does the FAA allow Wellbutrin?

Anti-Depressants / Anxiety – Single-use Anti-Depressants such as: Celexa (Citalopram Hydrobromide), Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate), Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride), Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride) or Wellbutrin (Bupropion) may be approved by the FAA for depression on a case by case basis only.

Can I deploy on antidepressants?

Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed and generally do not limit deployability.

Can pilots be medicated?

The Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit pilots from performing crewmember duties while using any medication that affects the faculties in any way contrary to safety.

Will antidepressants fail a drug test?

Antidepressants, decongestants, and dextromethorphan (an ingredient in Robitussin, Delsym) are examples of medications that can cause false positive results. If you think you've had a false positive result on a urine drug test, talk to your healthcare provider.

Will taking antidepressants affect security clearance?

Seeking mental health services does not affect one's ability to gain or hold clearance eligibility. Adjudicators regard seeking necessary mental health treatment as a positive step in the security clearance process.

Will Zoloft show up on DOT drug test?

Common drug tests are designed to detect alcohol and illicit drugs. Thus, the prescribed sertraline would most likely not appear on pre-employment drug tests.

Can you get a FAA medical with anxiety?

Typically, whether you can obtain your FAA medical with past anxiety comes down to the level of risk for recurrence of symptoms. If your anxiety was limited in time, you responded well to medication treatment (if any), and medication was discontinued, the required elements for treatment may be relatively simple.