Does tapering to switch antidepressants count as concurrent?

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IWannaFly

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I am on one long-term antidepressant that is not on the conditional approval list and am planning to switch to Wellbutrin XL. My psychiatrist suggested I stay on my current antidepressant, add in Wellbutrin, and then once stable with that, taper off the current med. This to me seems like two concurrent antidepressants and a no-go to the FAA.

Would this count as concurrent use?

What about cross-tapering where I gradually go down on the one med while ramping up Wellbutrin, would that count as concurrent?

Would it be best (in the FAA’s eyes) to taper off and completely stop the current med before starting Wellbutrin so there’s no overlap?
If so, how long can the gap between them be before it’s considered a period of untreated depression?
 
Also I imagine if I just tapered off the current one under direction of my psychiatrist, and found I was fine without any meds at all, it still wouldn’t look good to the FAA since that would be like I have untreated depression, right? (Been on an antidepressant for probably 10 years now)
 
I don’t know, but I wish you the best. Hopefully the new med is just as effective, if not better, and you don’t have to find out the hard way what the taper off the old does. It would be good to know here what you find out about concurrent use, as well as how you fared whatever the switch method.
 
@bbchien Although obviously you're under no obligation to respond, I would find your input invaluable and appreciate it very much, if you're willing. Thanks for considering.
 
The removed "ever had concurrent meds" from the prohibitions list in the fall of 2024. What counts is the intention of the MD Psychiatrist as appears in the office visit records as to "transition"(permitted withing reason) or "amplification" (for the duration).

You need to hookup (retain/etc) with a HIMS AME not rely on someone who has not seen your doucments ("SGOTI"). This is sufficiently complex that FAIL is very easy.
 
The change is meant to be a lateral one; the reason for looking into it is literally just the FAA. If I can find a med that provides the same benefit but is on the conditional approval list, I might be able to go for PPL.

Thanks all. Yes, I am planning to retain a HIMS AME when I’m ready to pursue. I was more trying to see if there was anything immediately non-starter based on the info I gave, or if there were a simple answer to what is “concurrent,” but it sounds like a) that’s probably not the most important thing to focus on in this case and b) with the factors that may apply to me, I’ve hit the limits of what intel I can gather from SGOTI, even if that G is Dr. Chien ;)

Thanks again. I’ll be seeing a HIMS AME soon.
 
Read your Special Issuance medical. I have diabetes and mine simply states that my medical is void if there is any changes in my medicines.

When I asked my AME, he said that he can usually get a med change approved over the phone.
 
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