I
I_Want_To_Fly
Guest
I have been lurking on this board for a while now but I still do not have the answers I need regarding past SSRI use.
A little background. I am 38 years old, healthy, successful at work, at home, and in the community. It would be no problem for me to produce several high profile character witnesses. I am contemplating a career change to that of a professional pilot but I know the advice is to seek a first class medical prior to initiating training. I did a consult with an AME and the conversation was great until the question of “have you ever” been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
When I was 17 and in high school, I was having a bit of a rough go. My parents took me to the pediatrician I had been seeing since I was an infant. He thought I was having some mild anxiety and put me on a low dose of Lexapro. I continued with this dose for about 2.5 years until I no longer felt I needed it. It may have helped me at the time but I may not have needed it either.
Having read nearly every post here and on Redditt regarding SSRI use, I know my initial medical will be deferred. I can get any statements I need from my current doctor but it will be impossible to get records from 21 years ago. My pediatrician has long since retired and eventually passed away. I do not live in the same state anymore and would not even know whom to call. This was my one and only event and I was never suicidal. I have not filled out any paperwork with the FAA and I know not passing a medical mean denial for all types of flying. So where do I start?
A little background. I am 38 years old, healthy, successful at work, at home, and in the community. It would be no problem for me to produce several high profile character witnesses. I am contemplating a career change to that of a professional pilot but I know the advice is to seek a first class medical prior to initiating training. I did a consult with an AME and the conversation was great until the question of “have you ever” been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
When I was 17 and in high school, I was having a bit of a rough go. My parents took me to the pediatrician I had been seeing since I was an infant. He thought I was having some mild anxiety and put me on a low dose of Lexapro. I continued with this dose for about 2.5 years until I no longer felt I needed it. It may have helped me at the time but I may not have needed it either.
Having read nearly every post here and on Redditt regarding SSRI use, I know my initial medical will be deferred. I can get any statements I need from my current doctor but it will be impossible to get records from 21 years ago. My pediatrician has long since retired and eventually passed away. I do not live in the same state anymore and would not even know whom to call. This was my one and only event and I was never suicidal. I have not filled out any paperwork with the FAA and I know not passing a medical mean denial for all types of flying. So where do I start?