Pilots can't take just any antidepressant because aviation authorities like the FAA have strict rules due to potential side effects (sedation, mood changes, impaired judgment) affecting safety, but policies are evolving to allow approved meds (SSRIs, SNRIs) with strict monitoring, stabilization, and waivers, balancing safety with encouraging pilots to seek treatment rather than self-medicating or hiding issues, which high-profile incidents have shown are also risks.
The FAA has determined that pilots or FAA Air Traffic Control Specialists (FAA ATCS) requesting medical certificates while being treated with one of several specific antidepressant medications may be considered. The Authorization decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
Mental Health Disorders: Severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or major depression, can disqualify a pilot, particularly if they affect judgment or stability.
Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying?
People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.
People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam, temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights. If you request a prescription for medication this will be considered by a doctor at an individual level.
For example, deep breathing or meditation during take-off, landing or turbulence can reduce your symptoms of anxiety. You can also learn to “talk back” to negative thoughts about flying when they arise.
The 3:1 rule in aviation is a rule of thumb for descent planning: for every 1,000 feet of altitude to lose, you need 3 nautical miles (NM) of horizontal distance, assuming a standard 3-degree glide path, making it easy to calculate when to start descending. For example, to descend 6,000 feet, a pilot starts descending 18 NM out (6 x 3 = 18). It helps maintain a consistent descent rate, critical for passenger comfort in older planes and for fuel efficiency in modern jets, and aligns with standard approach systems like ILS/VASI.
In fact Alprazolam or XANAX is an unacceptable medication under all situations because it has sedative effects. If you are only going to be on this medication Va short period of time you should continue to take the medication under care of your doctor.
The FAA does not consider candidates with personality disorders that contribute to “a clinically significant disturbance in behavior, judgment, or mood.” These include, but are not limited to, severe anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), particularly if these interfere with responsibilities or safety.
Individuals on an acceptable antidepressant now must wait only three months on a single, stable dose before completing required testing of the FAA antidepressant protocol, where previously they had to wait six months.
The FAA will consider certification of pilots and controllers who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety and treated with medication after certain conditions are met.
Can Pilots Take Lexapro (Escitalopram)? Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) is conditionally acceptable under FAA guidelines if specific criteria are met. Pilots must undergo a thorough assessment by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Anti-Depressants / Anxiety – Single-use Anti-Depressants such as: Celexa (Citalopram Hydrobromide), Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate), Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride), Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride).
Conditions That Do Not Require Deferral or FAA Review
According to that document, pilots with the following diagnoses may be issued a medical certificate without deferral when stable and treated: Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Situational anxiety (aka adjustment disorder with anxiety) Social Anxiety Disorder.
The FAA has outlined conditions that must be met and the required documentation needed if you wish to take GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and continue to fly. Under these constraints, the FAA will allow the use of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro).
For single-pilot, the maximum duty period is generally 8 hours. For two-pilot, the maximum duty period is up to 14 hours, depending on start time. The FAA acknowledges that initiating a duty period late at night or very early morning raises fatigue risk.
The requirement for large aeroplanes is that the aircraft must be fully evacuated in 90 seconds or less with only half of the exits usable – an impressive feat, but necessary, as time is crucial in such events. To support this, the emergency exits need to be opened and the slide deployed in not more than 10 seconds.
Yes, for airport security purposes, toothpaste is classified as a liquid, aerosol, or gel (LAG) and must follow the 100ml/3.4oz container rule in carry-on bags, even though it's a paste that holds its shape. This rule applies to all similar items like creams, gels, and sprays, requiring them to fit in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag for screening.
People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam, temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights.
Sudden onset fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, can be a perplexing and distressing experience for individuals who previously had no issues with air travel. For most people, this fear can feel overwhelming and may seem to come out of nowhere, affecting their lives and travel plans.
People sometimes ask the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam, or similar drugs like lorazepam temazepam or clonazepam, for fear of flying or to help sleep during flights.