First post on this forum by the way.

Right now I'm a College student with around 70 flight hours (give or take). Something happened to me a couple months ago and afterwards during my treatment I was told that I might be bipolar and I had to be put on a mood stabalizer called Zyprexa. I was never diagnosed with the disorder and a couple weeks ago I was told that I wasn't bipolar and now I am in the process of being weened off the medication.

Is the fact that I was put on this medication for a brief period going to prevent me from obtaining a new medical once mine lapses? I'm really worried about this and I'm not too sure who to ask so I'm posting this on here.

There was no need for me to be on this medication so I hope the docs didn't screw me over.

Thanks for the help.

 

Whether you are actually bipolar or not, this diagnosis and medication will create a huge problem with the FAA.

First off, you are grounded because of the medication. I hope you have not been flying while taking it, since any pysch med is disqualifying. If the FAA ever finds out that you flew on such meds, you are toast.

If you flew with an instructor that would be OK, you don't need a medical for that. But if you soloed, that would be bad.

There is a six month waiting period after you stop taking pysch meds.

Your case is unusual, I would recommend paying an aviation medicine consultant for assistance BEFORE you talk to your AME. If you go to the AME first, it may complicate the resolution of this situation.

BTW, I don't know if bipolar disorder can be 100% cured so such a diagnosis might limit your professional flying prospects. Depression or anxiety on the other hand is usually curable, and once corrected will not prevent you from holding a first class medical.

 

Thanks for the reply. No I haven't flown since I was put on the medication. That explains why I actually have money in my pocket...

I will look into an Aviation Medicine Consultant.