Does the FAA allow antidepressants?

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 you be a pilot on antidepressants?

FAA policy on depression and other mental health conditions. To fly, pilots must have a medical certificate approved by an FAA aviation medical examiner (AME). Under the current guidelines, depression, anxiety, and similarly categorized psychological conditions don't lead to automatic disqualification.

What medications are prohibited by the FAA?

Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin. Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril. Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop. Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec.


What anxiety meds can a pilot take?

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 you take antidepressants as a flight attendant?

Pharmaceutical Considerations: The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes - this includes all antidepressant drugs including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).


Pilot Minute: What should I do if I have depression or anxiety?



What antidepressants are FAA approved?

The SSRI used is one the following (single use only): Fluoxetine (Prozac) Sertraline (Zoloft) Citalopram (Celexa)

Can the FAA see my prescriptions?

The FAA does not release medical information without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, written permission from the individual to whom it applies, or, with the individual's knowledge, during litigation of matters related to certification.

Is anxiety disqualifying for FAA?

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.


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.

Can pilots take SSRI?

The present FAA policy prohibits virtually all other psychotropic / mood ameliorating medications. Pilots who take one of four (4) antidepressants – Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa or Lexapro (or generic SSRI equivalents) may be considered after extensive testing and evidence of successful use without side effects for a year.

Can I bring my anxiety medication on a plane?

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.


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 I need to declare my medication when flying?

If you will be travelling with liquid medicine that is over 100mls, you will need to contact your airline and all airports you will travel through. Exemptions can be made but you will need documentation from a healthcare professional supporting your need to carry the liquid medicine.

What medically disqualifies you from being a pilot?

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.


Can flight attendants take Lexapro?

Four of the SSRI medications have been acceptable to the FAA since April 2010, Prozac (fluoxetine); Zoloft (sertraline); Celexa (citalopram); and Lexapro (escitalopram).

What disqualifies you from a FAA medical exam?

Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of: (1) Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication; (2) Angina pectoris; (3) Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant; (4) Myocardial ...

What mental health issues disqualify you from the Air Force?

Personality and Behavioral Disorders

Disturbances of conduct, impulse control disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or other personality or behavior disorders characterized by frequent encounters with law enforcement agencies, and antisocial attitudes or behavior also warrant disqualification from service.


How do you fail FAA medical?

The FAA will deny medical certification if a pilot has one of the following medical conditions (However, if you do have one or more of these conditions, you may still be eligible for an FAA special issuance medical certificate.): (1) Severe personality disorder. (2) Psychosis. (3) A bipolar disorder.

Does the FAA allow 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.

How do you prove anxiety as a disability?

If you apply for disability benefits under Anxiety-Related Disorders, you can prove your case through medical records, letters and reports from your doctor, and your own testimony.


Is anxiety a federal disability?

Anxiety disorders like OCD, panic disorders, phobias, or PTSD are considered a disability. Therefore, they can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Individuals must prove that it is so debilitating that it prevents them from working.

Does the FAA allow Adderall?

Some of the medications that individuals take for ADHD are Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine. Take note: These medications are either amphetamine-based or methylphenidate-based stimulants. The FAA does not accept the use of any of these medications.

Does the FAA allow pilots to take Adderall?

Adderall, as well as all other amphetamines and dextroamphetamines, is a disqualifying medication for the purpose of airman medical certification with the FAA. What does this mean? If you are taking Adderall, your application for medical certification will be denied.


What happens if the FAA denies your medical?

If the AMCD or the RFS deny an applicant based on a medical condition that is specifically disqualifying as set forth under Part 67, the denial is final and may be appealed to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Can you get a security clearance on antidepressants?

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.