SSRI Policy Change

[bbchien]

In the fall of 2003 the "ON SSRI guidance" sheet dropped the "if you have ever been on two antidepressive meds at once" restriction. When I inquired as to that, the agency was "coy", so I was not comfortable committing thousands of $$s of an airman's resources to this type of SI application, if they had that history. However, An airman was recently approved, even with a history of SSRI + Abilify, So it would appear that the absolute prohibition has been removed.

This doesn't mean it's "open season". It simply is no longer an "Absolute prohibition". (Thanks to Airman "B.E")

 

[Rcmutz]

Thanks for coming back, Dr. Chien!

 

[Ed Haywood]

Glad to hear the FAA is being more flexible, at least in one instance. Blanket rules invariably ensnare some who shouldn't be.

Also glad you are active on PoA again, Dr Bruce. Many of us are grateful that you share your time and knowledge.

 

[D Crain]

Help! I need advice on how to move forward. I have just begun my PPL flight training and I need to get my medical certification. In 2021, at 21, my PCP diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. I also had low Vitamin D levels, which I believe might have been contributing to my lethargy and feelings of anxiety. I started an SSRI at that point. A year or so later, my aunt gave me advice that she was using an SSRI with Abilify as conjunctive therapy and how it was helping her, so I asked my PCP if that was an option and he prescribed Abilify. It wasn't even his idea, unfortunately it was mine! Little did I know that would be a huge blow to the process of achieving a class 1 medical certificate now. I have been off all medications for 2 years now, without any issues. All my labs are normal and I'm feeling better than ever. Should I dive right in and fill out Medxpress and go see a HIMS AME Or do I need to get a psych eval and further documentation before even trying to see an AME first? Am I destined to be deferred?

 

[HopefulFlyer]

Help! I need advice on how to move forward. I have just begun my PPL flight training and I need to get my medical certification. In 2021, at 21, my PCP diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. I also had low Vitamin D levels, which I believe might have been contributing to my lethargy and feelings of anxiety. I started an SSRI at that point. A year or so later, my aunt gave me advice that she was using an SSRI with Abilify as conjunctive therapy and how it was helping her, so I asked my PCP if that was an option and he prescribed Abilify. It wasn't even his idea, unfortunately it was mine! Little did I know that would be a huge blow to the process of achieving a class 1 medical certificate now. I have been off all medications for 2 years now, without any issues. All my labs are normal and I'm feeling better than ever. Should I dive right in and fill out Medxpress and go see a HIMS AME Or do I need to get a psych eval and further documentation before even trying to see an AME first? Am I destined to be deferred?

Do a consultation with a well-respected HIMS AME in your area. Gather and look through your full medical history, bring up anything that concerns you during your consultation. Do not fill out MedXPress yet.

 

[WDD]

@D Crain

Or.....

What is your ultimate goal? Hobby Flying or Career?
If "Hobby Flying", you could do the Sport License with requires a Drivers License. With the new options just announced, a Skyhawk could be used to train in, check ride, etc. You can get an endorsement to fly at night, you can now also get instrument rated. (EDIT - need Basic Med for night and instrument, which require at least one FAA medical). Heck, you could even fly a larger Skylane I believe. Still restricted to only 2 people (pilot and passenger.

Take a look at it.

 

[Half Fast]

You can get an endorsement to fly at night,....

That will require a medical, though.

 

[WDD]

That will require a medical, though.

True. A basic med is needed, but not an FAA 3rd class. Basic Med has no prohibition on SSRI, dual SSRI, etc. I don’t think Basic Med for a Sport Pilot requires a prior 3rd class, unlike the Basic Med for a PPL.

 

[Half Fast]

True. A basic med is needed, but not an FAA 3rd class. Basic Med has no prohibition on SSRI, dual SSRI, etc. I don’t think Basic Med for a Sport Pilot requires a prior 3rd class, unlike the Basic Med for a PPL.

Basic Med requires a Class 3 first. There's no distinction between Basic Med for SPs and for PPs; Basic Med is Basic Med, same as always.

 

[Lindberg]

True. A basic med is needed, but not an FAA 3rd class. Basic Med has no prohibition on SSRI, dual SSRI, etc. I don’t think Basic Med for a Sport Pilot requires a prior 3rd class, unlike the Basic Med for a PPL.

There's only one type of basic med. And it's moot because he said he needs a First Class.

Crain, you need to go to a HIMS AME or a senior AME who works with hard cases for a CONSULT. When you make the appointment, be clear that it is for a CONSULT. You can fill out the medxpress if he asks you to, but don't give him your confirmation code until all you ducks are in a row and you have a clear plan to get to issuance