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AnonymousAviator
Guest
Hi all,
Before I go into details, I want to thank you for taking the time to read about my personal situation. I have dreamed of becoming a pilot since I was little — so any and all advice to help that dream come true is greatly appreciated.
History of depression:
Recent Medication Changes:
Now we get to my questions. I understand that a history of depression, even if I’m not currently being treated for it, could have an impact on my medical. I would classify my depression as very situational, but I’m obviously not an AME or the FAA:
Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions and I am happy to clarify any details. Thanks again for your time!
Before I go into details, I want to thank you for taking the time to read about my personal situation. I have dreamed of becoming a pilot since I was little — so any and all advice to help that dream come true is greatly appreciated.
History of depression:
- When I was 13-14 years old (I’m 23 now), my parents got a divorce which sent me into a depression that lasted 2-3 years
- I worked with a psychiatrist/psychologist and received the depression diagnosis (and possibly an official diagnosis of anxiety, but I cannot recall)
- We tried out multiple medications and eventually landed on a combo of Wellbutrin and Lexapro
- Eventually I stabilized and ceased seeing my psychologist and psychiatrist. I decided to have the medications prescribed by my PCP moving forward.
- I remained on the Lexapro and Wellbutrin combo for ~8 years from initially starting them
- I had no reason to change my medications, I was feeling great and had no adverse side effects. I wouldn’t say I was relying on these medications to treat any form of chronic depression, it was simply just a status quo that I saw no need to shake up
Recent Medication Changes:
- Approximately a year and a half ago I decided to stop using Lexapro (due to latent side effects I never noticed), but decided to remain on Wellbutrin
Now we get to my questions. I understand that a history of depression, even if I’m not currently being treated for it, could have an impact on my medical. I would classify my depression as very situational, but I’m obviously not an AME or the FAA:
- Is there any chance of a Normal Issuance in office, or is this basically an automatic deferral/special issuance?
- How long would I have to be fully off Wellbutrin to support that I am stable without any medication?
- Assuming that a normal issuance is off the table: What supporting documentation/examination/evaluation can I expect would be required to provide to support my case (i.e., that I am not chronically depressed and do not require medication)?
- Is the likelihood of getting approved higher if I decide to go the medicated route with an SSRI? (I would hate to have to go back on a medication I do not need)
- How long of an ordeal am I looking at? On the order of 2-3 months or closer to a year?
- What do you see as the biggest challenge I will face in my journey to get a class 3 medical? Is it convincing my AME? Convincing the FAA? Cost?
- Any other advice/experience that can help me?
Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions and I am happy to clarify any details. Thanks again for your time!