9 years on Citalopram

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by srleslie

Are they effective for neuropathic pain?

They can help sometimes.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by ktsai91

Is Prozac on the approved list for SSRIs?

The list is not yet published but I understand it will be on there.

[pppatacki]

I am guessing he can not list the four at this time as it is not public info yet.

[pilotgary111]

There are many airmen who have very serious physical ailments and without much stability and on meds get
approved for medical certification.

Then there are those of us with a treatable mental illness and very stable on meds who are automatically disqualified only because our ailment is mental and not physical.

The stigma lives on and is alive and well with the FAA!

[christian]

i read on a forum once, a brain surgeon posted that he could operate on peolple but couldnt fly a cessna, he was on an antidepressant

[Ghansen37]

The 4 SSRI's that are going to be on the list for Special Issuance Medical Certificates: Is that just for a 3rd class medical certificate only? Or will 1st and 2nd class medical certificates be eligible as well?

[My Flight Surgeon]

As far as I know it will be for all classes.

[pppatacki]

Doc,

I got the second letter back from the FAA, this time it states "If your condition improves and your physician recommends discontinuation of the medication, after you have been off medication for 90 days and have remained symptom free during that time, we will be glad to give your request for medical certification further consideration"

Ok, somewhat clear. I need to be off the medication for 90 days and get an update from the doc. They didn't list specific tests but did say they need all records including diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up plan and treatment records.

Here are my questions. I am in the process of weaning myself of the meds (3 weeks in so far).

1. Should I see a psychiatrist now before I am completely off the meds or wait the 90 days first?

2. Since I do not have a current Psychiatrist (He retired), as I look for one to go to, what should I be looking for as far as abilities to help with the FAA? Can you recommend one in Minnesota?

3. The FAA doesn't specify so am I better going to a Psychiatrist or Physiologist for the FAA.

Thanks in advance for your time.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Make an appointment with a psychiatrist for 6 weeks from now. It will take that long to get in as a new patient. Take copies of all your records to him so he has th ewhole picture and can write a good report. Use a Board Certified psychiatrist. I do not know one in Minnesota.

[pppatacki]

Thanks again.

[pppatacki]

Good guess doc. 4 weeks for a new patient. One place I tried was 5 months. Seems like it may be a good business to get into.