Lexapro

[NJT916]

I would like to obtain a first class medical certificate, but have a quick question about two medications I take on a regular (daily) basis.

Lexapro and Allegra

In your opinion, will the usage of these two medications prevent me from obtaining the medical?

Thanks,
NJT916

[killbilly]

The doc will chime in w/ detail, but for a quick answer, the FAA frowns on SSRIs...Lexapro.

[NJT916]

Ok then two follow up questions if I may..

If I choose to come off the Lexapro (a few week process per Dr’s recommendation), will the fact that I am coming off it allow me to pass my medical, or should I wait till I am off it completely?

Also, is that fact that I was EVER on it going to make a difference in getting the 1st Class?

Thanks in advance.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Allegra is OK.

The deal on the SSRI antidepressants (Lexapro) is this: if you are on the drug less than 6 months and have been off for 3 months, the AME can issue a certificate. If you were on it more than 6 months, the FAA will probably ask for a psychiatric evaluation before issuing a medical certificate. That is their stance and they are not willing to change it right now.

[NJT916]

Dr. Forred,

I've only been on it for about 3 months, but will stop taking it (slowly) starting Monday after I visit my MD.

Thanks!!!

[My Flight Surgeon]

OK. If you are off 3 months, you meet the criteria for a certifiicate.

[fawnsdad]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Allegra is OK.

The deal on the SSRI antidepressants (Lexapro) is this: if you are on the drug less than 6 months and have been off for 3 months, the AME can issue a certificate. If you were on it more than 6 months, the FAA will probably ask for a psychiatric evaluation before issuing a medical certificate. That is their stance and they are not willing to change it right now.

So, if you are currently taking Lexapro and pass the psych eval, can you still get a 1rst class?

[My Flight Surgeon]

NO!!!!!!!!! The psych eval is off meds and to see if you are OK to fly or if you need meds.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Her is a list of the currently available antidepressants. You CANNOT take any of these and fly.

amitriptyline amitriptyline/chlordiazepoxide amitriptyline/perphenazine Anafranil Aventyl HCl clomipramine desipramine doxepin Elavil imipramine Limbitrol Limbitrol DS Norpramin nortriptyline Pamelor protriptyline Surmontil Tofranil Tofranil-PM trimipramine Vivactil
Celexa citalopram fluoxetine fluvoxamine Lexapro Luvox paroxetine Paxil Paxil CR Pexeva Prozac Prozac Weekly Sarafem sertraline Symbyax Zoloft amoxapine Budeprion SR Budeprion XL bupropion Cymbalta Effexor Effexor XR maprotiline mirtazapine nefazodone Remeron Remeron SolTab Serzone trazodone venlafaxine Wellbutrin