Navigating FAA guidelines on antidepressant medications can be complex for pilots seeking medical certification. This article provides a simplified overview of FAA-approved antidepressants and answers common questions about medication use among pilots. To learn more on these recent FAA guideline changes, click here.
What Medications are Acceptable?
FAA guidelines permit the use of certain antidepressants under specific conditions:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): Includes commonly prescribed medications like Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), among others.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI): Includes Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine).
- Dopamine/norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (NDRI): Bupropion (Wellbutrin) in sustained-release formulations.
Unacceptable Medications
Certain antidepressants are not approved by the FAA and should be avoided by pilots seeking medical certification. These include medications like Paxil (paroxetine) and Luvox (fluvoxamine), among others not listed as conditionally acceptable by the FAA.
See the updated full list of conditionally acceptable and unacceptable antidepressant medications.
Common FAQs
Can pilots take Lexapro (escitalopram)?
Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines if specific criteria are met. Pilots must undergo a thorough assessment by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Is Effexor (venlafaxine) allowed for pilots?
Effexor (venlafaxine) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines. Pilots must meet all necessary criteria, including approval from an AME, to ensure compliance with FAA regulations regarding mental health and medication use.
What about Prozac (fluoxetine) and Sarafem?
Prozac (fluoxetine), including its brand name Sarafem, is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines when used as a single agent and if pilots meet other qualifying conditions set by an AME.
Can pilots use Zoloft (sertraline)?
Zoloft (sertraline) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines for pilots, provided they meet the necessary criteria outlined by an AME during their medical evaluation.
Is Celexa (citalopram) acceptable for pilots?
Celexa (citalopram) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines if used as a single agent and if pilots receive approval from an AME after a comprehensive assessment.
What is the FAA’s stance on Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines, provided pilots adhere to the criteria established for antidepressant use in aviation.
Can pilots take Cymbalta (duloxetine)?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines when used as a single agent and if pilots meet all other necessary qualifications set by an AME.
Is Wellbutrin (bupropion) allowed for pilots?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) in its sustained-release (SR/ER) formulations is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines, ensuring pilots meet specific conditions and receive AME approval.
What if a pilot is on an antidepressant not listed as conditionally acceptable?
Pilots using antidepressants not listed as conditionally acceptable by the FAA should consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The AME will evaluate the medication against FAA guidelines to determine the pilot’s eligibility based on regulatory standards and safety considerations.
Contact Barnett Law Offices for Help with Aviation Law
Understanding FAA guidelines on antidepressant medications is essential for pilots navigating the medical certification process. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can assist you in achieving your aviation goals while staying in compliance with FAA regulations.
