Another SSRI Question. Seeking Advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter WaitingForSpring
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WaitingForSpring

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Hi All,

I know everybody says to consult an AME. I understand that but would like to see if it’s even worth it.

I have a diagnosis of MDD. I am currently on an “approved” SSRI medication. There was 1 time of being off medication and then getting back on (the joys of mental health). I have no plans to get off of them. Unfortunately I’ve caught the aviation bug, and know I maybe able to do sport but would really
like to know if it’s even worth pursuing a medical, as I’d really like to keep my options in the aviation world open.

I did some calling around and my local HIMS AME wants an $8,000 dollar check for case handling plus the expenses of all tests and evaluations. I know they say it’s case by case, but every story I’ve heard about pilots taking SSRI has been nothing short of a nightmare. If it’s not possible, than so be it. But wasn’t sure if any pilots here have seen a similar situation that actually had a favorable outcome.

Thanks gang!
 
Well, I consider 8K to be wayyy excessive. But your total expenses, provided your current caretaker is a MD Psychiatrist and not some ARNP in a PCP office, would be about 5-6K.

But with the pause in meds and the recurrence, you by FAA definition, have recurrent disease.

Provided you don't have any suicidality in your record the path forward for you is the ON SSRI pathway. Favorable outcomes- I have a couple of airmen, on airline flight decks. They do monitor you closely, however and there are recurrent year-on year costs for that....
 
bbchien said:
Well, I consider 8K to be wayyy excessive. But your total expenses, provided your current caretaker is a MD Psychiatrist and not some ARNP in a PCP office, would be about 5-6K.

But with the pause in meds and the recurrence, you by FAA definition, have recurrent disease.

Provided you don't have any suicidality in your record the path forward for you is the ON SSRI pathway. Favorable outcomes- I have a couple of airmen, on airline flight decks. They do monitor you closely, however and there are recurrent year-on year costs for that....
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Thank you sir for the small light at the end of the tunnel. My treatment provider is an MD Psychiatrist so hopefully that helps even in a small way. Roughly after the initial certification what is the monitoring look like? Progress notes from the MD or constant HIMS check-ins? I’m probably going to have to go out of state for HIMS as I also felt the same way after the 8K case handling fee. Would like to take that all into account before getting established with a HIMS AME if I have to travel multiple time per year to see him/her.

Thanks again!
 
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