The FAA is on record as being willing to certify some, but not all, pilots who take certain antidepressants. The list of favorites include Celexa (Citalopram Hydrobromide), Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate), Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride) and Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride). In 2023 the FAA added Wellbutrin (Bupropion) to the list as another antidepressant which may also be acceptable on a case by case basis. While all of these medications are in the antidepressant pharmacological class Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, and Zyban (Bupropion) are norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI’s) while the others which are listed as approved by the FAA are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). While these medications may be approved, this infrequently occurs and is generally not allowed if there is a significant medical diagnosis which requires medication to assure safe function and behavior. These cases are considered by the FAA on a case by case basis only.  Applicants may be considered after extensive testing and evidence of successful use for a minimum of 6 continuous months without adverse effects.  Again, these particular psychiatric medications, which many consider to be “approved” by the FAA for psychiatric conditions*, are only approved on a case by case basis. The FAA has approved relatively few airmen under the FAA’s SSRI protocol. Certain mental conditions are absolutely disqualifying.  In order to have the best chance at FAA acceptance a tailored medical petition for consideration should contain eloquently detailed rationale.  Most psychotropic drugs are not approved under any circumstances.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Abilify (Aripiprazole)
  • Amoxapine
  • Anafranil (Clomipramine Hydrochloride)
  • Effexor (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)
  • Elavil (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride)
  • Luvox (Fluvoxamine Maleate)
  • Maprotiline Hydrochloride
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Nardil (Phenelzine Sulfate)
  • Norpramin (Desipramine Hydrochloride)
  • Pamelor (Nortriptyline Hydrochloride)
  • Parnate (Tranylcypromine Sulfate)
  • Paxil (Paroxetine Hydrochloride)
  • Remeron (Mirtazapine)
  • Serzone (Nefazodone Hydrochloride)
  • Sinequan (Doxepin Hydrochloride)
  • Surmontil (Trimipramine Maleate)
  • Tofranil (Imipramine Hydrochloride, Imipramine Pamoate)
  • Trazodone Hydrochloride
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Vivactil (Protriptyline Hydrochloride)

If the treating physician establishes that there is no longer a need for psychotropic medication, this opens another option which typically provides greater assurance of favorable FAA consideration.  In this situation, the medication must be discontinued and the condition and circumstances should be evaluated after being off-medication for at least 60 but in most cases 90 days.  Should your physician believe you are an ideal candidate, the herbal preparations such as Saint Johns Wort or Deplin may also be an option.

After discontinuing the medication, a detailed  psychiatric evaluation should be obtained. The evaluation must be conducted in a set format and in compliance with FAA protocol.  There are several parameters involved with the evaluation.  Resolved issues and stability without medication are typically the strongest factors for FAA approval.

We can help

We have helped thousands of pilots with this process.  We work directly with your physicians and the FAA to assure compliance with FAA protocols and to resolve complex aeromedical certification issues quickly.

Contact us at 405-787-0303 or via E-Mail to confidentially discuss the details of your case and establish your eligibility for FAA medical certification. There is no charge for an initial consultation.

*More About Psychiatric Issues & FAA Medical Certification

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to confidentially discuss your FAA medical issues.