Starting SNRI with a III class medical

[BausBisby]

I have a PPL, SEL and glider ratings, and I have a III class medical expiring in 2.5 years.
My PCP suggested starting duloxetine for an "off-label" treatment of pain, with no diagnosis of depression.

If I were to go down this road, should I self-ground myself, since the medical is not due fir another 2.5 years? And, once on that med, how complicated and expensive is it to be approved again?

 

[Half Fast]

I have a PPL, SEL and glider ratings, and I have a III class medical expiring in 2.5 years.
My PCP suggested starting duloxetine for an "off-label" treatment of pain, with no diagnosis of depression.

If I were to go down this road, should I self-ground myself, since the medical is not due fir another 2.5 years? And, once on that med, how complicated and expensive is it to be approved again?

Any reason you can’t go onto Basic Med and avoid FAA hassles?

 

[bbchien]

That would depend on what sort of pain, and would requrie the FAA's ON SnRI protocol, HIMS neurocog evaluation, testimony from your proscriber, Neurology consult, etc. I don't know your diagnosis so cannot comment on the force of grounding...

Half Fast is correct, unless you are wanting to fly professionally.

 

[BausBisby]

Thanks both. Good suggestion about BasicMed. I am not interested, now or in the future, in exercising the privileges of Class 1,2 or 3.

Is this process correct and legal?

- Apply for BasicMed now, even if I have 2.5 years left before the Class 3 certificate expires. Is this frowned upon by an AME or doctor that does the exam?
- Complete online course, medical exam and CMEC form. At this point, my Class 3 is superseded by BasicMed, is that right?
- After BasicMed, I might decide to start an SNRI without having to self-ground or having to go through SI.

 

[Half Fast]

Perfectly legal. You can hold both Basic and a class 3 simultaneously. Just get the Basic Med exam from any state-licensed physician (no need for an AME) and allow the class 3 to expire on its own.

If you start the SNRI, good judgment would suggest you self-ground until you know what reaction you might have to the drug, but you don’t need to get the FAA involved.

 

[WDD]

Remember, the FAA can revoke your Class 3 at any time it is Active / has not expired. If revoked, you can't have Basic Med.

Smarter people than I can comment on IF you have a current Class 3 (even if you're also on Basic Med), and IF you're on a drug the FAA doesn't like, what happens?

After the Class 3 expires, you're purely on the Basic Med restrictions, which means it's up to your Basic Med doctor and you to determine if that drug is OK for you and your circumstance. And again, smarter people/your doctor can comment on that drug and being a pilot.