The FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine announced on May 31, 2023 the antidepressant drug, Wellbutrin SR or XL, is now approved for pilot use. However, the pilot will need to go through the Special Issuance process in order receive medical certification with this drug. The pilot will need to see a HIMS AME, and comply with the numerous treatment records and FAA forms required. Additionally, the HIMS AME is required by the FAA to defer the application for FAA review.
This announcement follows FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup’s commitment to removing mental health treatment barriers for pilots. Wellbutrin for pilots may prompt questions from airmen about disclosing mental heath treatment, or applying for a medical certificate while taking this medication.
How We Can Help
Our attorneys will represent you and provide legal services, consultation, negotiation, research, and appropriate reporting, all in the pursuit of obtaining and/or preserving your FAA medical certificate. Additionally, we have the resources and connections to assist each pilot in navigating this complicated process. Our experience has provided us with valuable contacts so we can get you to the AME with the experience to manage your particular situation. Additionally, in the event further evaluations are required, we prepare each pilot to increase the likelihood of a good result. Our experience has shown that working with expert AMEs can reduce the amount of time spent obtaining a pilot’s medical certificate.
Contact us to speak with an aviation attorney for a confidential consultation.
