My rule of thumb on new meds, is 1) if my AME gave it to me and said it's ok, then it's ok, but then I have one of the best AME's in the country, 2) I try it while not flying and see how it affects me over a weeks period and if there are no undesirable affects, it's golden.

Hope this helps.


Safe flying

I don't think the Federal Air Surgeon would allow this one. Toio much potential for anmesia and slowed thought processes.

Excuse me, I am a passenger and I have actually called airlines to verify if pilots are allowed to take ambien. My daughter and I were nearly killed by a driver coming down the wrong lane on ambien. I really don't think pilots should take this dangerous drug. Now I won't feel safe flying after reading this forum.
I will tell everyone who is buying an airline ticket to read these posts and to be aware that their pilot might have taken an ambien. I am in shock that pilots are so irresponsible knowing the side effects of the dangerous drug.

Then, tell them about the schedules that airline pilots fly, and how they're expecting to be alert during them even though they might have to rest at opposite times every other day for twelve consecutive days .

If you think thats scary you should love the fact that lots of us are routinely flying on 3 hours of sleep due to scheduling loopholes :) I wouldent let my family fly in the back of my plane when im that unslept, but that 60 dollar ticket your buying to fort lauderdale should make up for it.

http://www.aopa.org/members/database...l/druglist.cfm

Acording to these guys it's not allowed. I had an older list saved on my computer that listed it as approved but the most recent update lists it as not allowed.

I used it in the desert courtesy of Uncle Sam...no side effects, works like a champ in 5-10mg doses.

That stuff has some weird side effects, just like all of the ones you guys have mentioned earlier. My mom takes it every night and says she is not addictive but she sure seems like it. They say it is not addictive but it seems like it is easy to become relient upon it.