Previously Declared No Change - SSRI

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Charles94

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Hey all,

I'm coming up on my medical renewal in September and am planning to upgrade from a Third Class Medical to a First Class Medical, as I've since earned both my Instrument Rating and Commercial Certificate.

For context, my current medical certificate was issued in September 2021. At the time, my application was initially deferred by the HIMS AME I worked with due to a history of SSRI use. My case involved a single medication (Lexapro), taken for less than two years for a single episode of depression/anxiety, making me eligible under SSRI Pathway I.

Prior to applying, I discontinued the medication, completed the required observation period, obtained a favorable report from my treating physician stating the condition was resolved and treatment had ended, and then completed my MedXPress application and medical exam. My AME deferred the application, but approximately three months later the FAA granted me an unrestricted Third Class Medical. The certificate was not issued as a Special Issuance.

Since that time, there have been no changes to my medical history whatsoever — no recurrence, no treatment, no counseling, and no medications.

My questions are:
  1. When completing MedXPress, is it appropriate to list the history as "Previously Reported, No Change" (PRNC/PDNC) with a brief summary of the prior FAA review and approval?
  2. Given that the FAA previously reviewed the case and issued an unrestricted medical certificate, is a First Class Medical likely to be issuable in the AME's office, or is a deferral still likely despite the lack of any changes?
I'd appreciate any insight from AMEs or anyone who has gone through a similar situation. While I understand every case is different, I'm trying to determine what to realistically expect before applying for the First Class.

Thanks in advance.
 
PRNC in the mental disorders box is a red flag to ANY AME. Call the agency, get a copy of the letter that came with your CERT IN 2021. Check the BOX and cite the eligibility letter by date. Bring said letter with you to said AME and he yawns and issues the certificate.

DO IT RIGHT.
 
And go to the same AME you went to last time, of you can. I had a different type of PRNC issue that required some hoops that I handled with a "hard case" AME, and when I switched back to my previous AME, he wouldn't accept the PRNC and prior FAA approval without my jumping through the hips again because, "It wasn't in his records."
 
bbchien said:
PRNC in the mental disorders box is a red flag to ANY AME. Call the agency, get a copy of the letter that came with your CERT IN 2021. Check the BOX and cite the eligibility letter by date. Bring said letter with you to said AME and he yawns and issues the certificate.

DO IT RIGHT.
Click to expand...
To add, you can also call your Regional Flight Surgeon’s office for that letter if you can’t get through to OKC. They’ll email it to you.
 
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