History of SSRI + Benzo

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Hdog45

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Hi all-

Have been wanting for my PPL for quite some time, and fortunately have the means and time to do so.

Unfortunately, I have about a 6 year history of SSRI+ benzodiazepine prescription for generalized anxiety. I have been on a stable dose of my FAA approved SSRI for over 4 years, though have been prescribed a benzo for breakthrough anxiety alongside it. Truth be told, I don’t think I need the benzo anymore and it’s such a low dose as well that I’m comfortable tapering off.

My question is - is it worth going through the hassle of and money of the possibility I of getting my 3rd class medical? Would two concurrent anxiety medications be an automatic disqualification? What should I do?

I’m also prescribed Ambien as needed for sleep, though I rarely that that anymore as well.

All opinions welcome. I have a consultation with a HIMS AME in the coming weeks but want to go in as prepared as possible.
 
On the surface it doesn't look like you're ready. FAA will interpret the need for ambien (prohbited drug given for regular use more than 60 times a year) as an anxiety related sleep disorder not in remission. Ditto on the benzos, and you cannot have had Rxs for dual drugs in the preceeding 60 days.

The ON SSRI program is for those disorders in full remission, on a single SSRI alone.
 
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Talk to the HIMS and go from there. Good luck!
 
@Lindberg makes an excellent point. Before going through the hassle, time, and money that a medical will require, take a good look at the aircraft MOSAIC has made available for Sport Pilots. If you can live with daytime VFR and limit yourself to one passenger, you might not need a medical at all.

In any case, Sport might be a good way to start. Get your wings and learn what personal aviation is all about, then decide if you need or want a medical.
 
It's a bit hard to say from your post. You note using a Benzo for "breakthrough" anxiety, but then note you feel comfortable tapering off. Typically, if you are taking a Benzo for episodic/breakthrough anxiety, you're only. taking it infrequently/sparingly. If you need to taper off, then that implies you're using it regularly/daily. Way easier in the first cause to get off the benzo's than the second case.

And then there is the question of Ambien. Same sort of rationale applies. I had patients who would get an Ambien script for 10 tablets, and that would last a year. Other folks insisted they had to have Ambien (or whichever drug) nightly to survive. I mean, how did cavemen ever sleep without Lunesta?

Anyway, "how much" of the benzos and Ambien really matter in practical terms of getting off these meds.

It's not uncommon to ask a patient how they cope with their anxiety and get the answer, "by taking a Xanax, doc." This really isn't the coping skill we're trying to foster...
 
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