Chantix FAA approved for smoking cessation

[My Flight Surgeon]

For all of you who want to stop smoking.

The FAA has accepted the use of Chantix tablets for use in smoking cessation. The FAA recommends that the airman not fly until at least 72 hours at the maximum planned treatment dose. In other words, we recommend that airmen wait until the treating physician gets them to their maximal dose and then wait 72 hours more. The local AME may release the airman to flight duties if no side-effects are experienced

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

For all of you who want to stop smoking.

The FAA has accepted the use of Chantix tablets for use in smoking cessation. The FAA recommends that the airman not fly until at least 72 hours at the maximum planned treatment dose. In other words, we recommend that airmen wait until the treating physician gets them to their maximal dose and then wait 72 hours more. The local AME may release the airman to flight duties if no side-effects are experienced

This is really cool - glad they did this. The only side effect I experienced when I was taking it was very mild nausea, which goes away with a glass of milk.

[SoCalAprch]

So if i start taking this will I need to goto the AME? It says I need to be signed off or something. Is this true or can I just start it and wait the 72 hours then start flying again?

[My Flight Surgeon]

You have to wait 10 days. The dosing is 0.5 mg daily for 3 days, then twice daily for 4 days (all white tablets) then 1 mg (blue tablet ) twice daily. You cannot fly until you have been on the full dose for 3 days. Also note you cannot"accelerate" the dosing -- this is what has cause some psychiatric problems in people and led to an FDA warning about adhering to the dosing schedule.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

You have to wait 10 days. The dosing is 0.5 mg daily for 3 days, then tice daily for 4 days (all white tablets) then 1 mg (blue tablet ) twice daily. You cannot fly until you have been on the full dose for 3 days. Also note you cannot"accelerate" the dosing -- this is what has cause some psychiatric problems in people and led to an FDA warning about adhering to the dosing schedule.

Wait....is it 3 days or 10 days? The full dose is the white tablet, right? So you have to wait 10 days from the time you START, or you have to be on the full for 3 days, which is 6 days total? I'm confused.

[ALSF2]

I would like to throw in that I took Chantix and I am grateful for it! 6+ months with no tobacco. w00t!
The only side effect I noticed was REALLY vivid dreams. They were strange. Anyway do as doc says and don't smoke after those 7 days.

[SoCalAprch]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

You have to wait 10 days. The dosing is 0.5 mg daily for 3 days, then twice daily for 4 days (all white tablets) then 1 mg (blue tablet ) twice daily. You cannot fly until you have been on the full dose for 3 days. Also note you cannot"accelerate" the dosing -- this is what has cause some psychiatric problems in people and led to an FDA warning about adhering to the dosing schedule.

Ok thats fine, just based here in Cincinnati and my Aviation Doc is back in San Diego. So my other question is... Do I need to go see any medical person to get signed off or anything after the 10 days? My wifes dad is a doc and he says he can write up a prescription for me if I want it so long as it won't hinder my flying.

[My Flight Surgeon]

No, this falls under 61.53 where you must self-ground for a temporary condition. Just stay down 10 days and if you are having no side effects go back to work. No need to see the AME and if you take it the 3 months then are off, you don't even need to report it on the next exam.

[AP2B]

Good luck people! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

I quit 18 months ago and I promise you all that I will never smoke again. Ugh!

I'm Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!




The funny thing is that I didn't even want to quit per say. I just ran out and never bought more.