Medication Question
 

Ok guys, serious question time.

While I will not delve into my personal problems on this forum, I will say that I've been going to my school's counciling center for anxiety and anger issues. So far this semester we've made little progress by just talking. She has suggested I talk with the school health center's phsychiatrist and discuss the prescription of an anxiety medication (most definently Xanax).

I will emphasize that I have never operated an aircraft or car while under the immediate effects of any mental or emotional "issues". People who know me and my situation say they have no problem with me flying, and two even happily come along as passengers on occasion.

Also, in talking with friends I was amazed at how common use of this medication was (though it can become a serious problem if abused). They also said it works VERY well with virtually no side effects (if taken in the prescribed amounts).

Ok, now the obvious issue: flying. I did some research on AOPA's medical site, and sure enough Xanax is not allowed by the FAA. HOWEVER, AOPA says the rules are geared toward medications that are taken continuously. Xanax is not taken continuously. Rather, unless otherwise prescribed, anti-anxiety medications are taken only "as needed" when the anxiety gets serious or when you anticipate a seriously anxious situation to occur in the very near future. It's a "there if you need it" medication. Theres no commitment to take it continuously. So theoretically, as long as I have none in my system when I'm flying and I feel fine, it should be legal.

What are your thoughts on the legality of this medication with regard to flying?

Also, for the future, how would this affect me with an airline *IF* I someday decide to become an airline pilot???

Thanks, guys. PLEASE, serious, non-mean-spirited answers only.

I looked in to this recently. I bet the FAA would take a very dim view on any "occasionally" use. I also thought that these types of mood altering drugs are best used consistently.

Look in to SAM-E. It is not regulated by the FDA and and not banned by the FAA. (no jurisdiction)

Don't bet your career on my advice however. Get expert opinions.

I agree with the above response. Not to sound mean-spirited...but the FAA tends to frown upon the even slight possiblity of someone having a panic attack or anger problem on an aircraft...even if you think it could never happen to you. Get a professional opinion and see what's up. Also, you could always try to contact CAMI and see their stance on this...

My medical is not due for renewal for another 2 years. So if I'm off the stuff by then, I'm not sure that I would even have to tell the AME about it. That correct?

Also, in the distant future (long after I've stopped using it) what are the real career implications? Do you have to tell an airline if you EVER took a medication like this.

Also, Mike, anti-anxiety medications aren't like that, as I said. They're not generally taken continuously unless your doctor thinks it's necessary.

A friend of mine told me about this resource. Hope this helps you. At this point, you need to gather as much information as you can so that you can make an informed decision.

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/arti...e&articleID=32

Drugs are bad! Except when she's takin them. Giggity Giggity

Ok, serious this time. Dude, everyone has times in their lives where anxiety, depression, and anger are present. The key is what, if anything, triggers these reactions. If I were in your shoes, I would take a good hard look at myself and determine if these issues occur at random, unprovoked times.

To be a safe pilot, you must be of sound mind and body. I am not talking yoga and green tea, but I feel that mood swings, illogical behavior, and any type of drug dependence have no place in the cockpit...especially with 50+ people in the back.

If you think that your troubles are behind you and blue skies ahead, don't take anymore drugs and don't check "depression" on that do you have any of these page. If you have a guilty conscience, tell your examiner about this past occurrence and most likely you will get a sympathetic ear and some advice, as opposed to a judgment.

Just my 2 pennies, I hope it all works out for you.

The last interpretation I got from my FSDO on this one was that anytime during the course you have your medical, if your medical state changes from what was reported at the time you got the medical, it is no longer valid (i.e. you get a first class medical and then have a heart attack the next month...no more first class medical). Now, in your situation this is based on you speaking up and telling someone. Whether you do that or not is between you, God, and the FAA. The only time I'll care is if you run your cessna into my airplane. I would say that at this point your medical probably isn't valid (due to the medication/depression/anxiety) but are you really going to get in trouble for it? Probably not...but it could come up. Ya never know what'll happen in this crazy business. I hear AOPA can also help with stuff like this...try putting in a call to them. I would definately seek the advice of people more knowledgable then 24 year old FO's sitting in a hotel room at 9am trying to write sound medical advice before showing up for his underpaid jetjob :D

I once heard a story about how the FAA went through every pilot in California and referenced their medicals and what they said they took as medication and what they claimed against their insurance. I think the outcome was many guys had to look for different jobs because they lost everything. Just a thought.

Thanks for the input. It's alot to think about. This is definently one of those times when I curse being a pilot. I personally think the FAA is a bit too cautious with the whole medication thing. And what makes this case confusing is the whole occasional vs. continuous use thing. The thing(s) which are forming the root of the anxiety may be gone by the end of December, and during that time I'm already planning on taking a hiatus from flying (school and job craziness). BTW, the aforementioned school and job are not the problems. lol. And also, people who take anti-anxiety medications occasionally are not crazy. I just found out yesterday that a TA in my class (a doctoral candidate and a TV meteorologist) took some the night before his PhD qualifying oral. It's such a commonly prescribed medication for a growing problem in the US. Honestly, given the state of the industry and challenges of the job, it;s actually kinda funny how airline pilots can't take it. Hehe.

Mike:

FWIW, do a self inventory. Be honest...brutally honest with yourself. If there are ANY UNRESOLVED EMOTIONAL, RELATIONAL AND/OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES whether from childhood or adulthood, they need to be addressed. I would encourage you to continue to talk with your counselor, participate in group, however most of all talk with your PASTOR if you have one. JMHO.

All the best my friend. I will be praying for you.


atp

awwwwww, thanks ATP!

I dealt with mental health medication issues once while running a flight school...

1) First off, ANYTHING of a medical nature that happens to you MUST be reported your next medical form. Penalties for not doing so:
a) Immediate termination by your employer.
b) FAA Administrative revocation of all pilot certificates.
c) For falsifying a federal form: Possible fine and/or JAIL time...this is REAL federal law, not FAA admin law.

2) Anxiety, even with medication, is not permanently disqualifying, but it IS disqualifying while undergoing treatment. I think their standard is no flying during medication, and for 6 months after ceasing the medication. This is an observation period to ensure you are stable.

3) As was pointed out, you are supposed to ground yourself (sounds like you have) if your medical condition changes. If you have a cold, you can unground yourself when you feel better, but in your case the FAA will have the opinion that you need an AME to unground you.

4) Some folks don't report medical issues, especially minor things. If I get a cold I treat it (with FAA approved OTC meds) and then forget about it. But in your case I would think that the risk of not reporting it would be high, because there is a pretty long paper trail, and if you are ever involved in any incident, they can subpoena your medical records... Or if your girlfriend knows about, and she gets PO'ed at you some day...

Two students I knew had issues along these lines. One got medicated, got better, and learned to manage her stress issues with exercise, clean living, etc. She came back in a year, and went on to a flying career. The other apparently still needed the meds on occasion, so he had to do something else...he thought he might need them once a year, but with the 6 month stabilization period, he basically couldn't hold a medical.

Career-wise: If you can do what you need to do, get better, and stay that way without meds you can then get a normal FAA medical and pursue a career. Most regional airlines only want to photocopy your medical, they don't do exams or ask medical questions. Historically, major airlines subjected all applicants to a brutal medical exam which far exceeded FAA standards (you would not pass this). This has changed recently...some US majors, and all foriegn majors, still do their own exam. Today, however many US majors just want to see your medical. I know AA and AE will subject you to a rigorous exam, which I have no doubt that you would fail based on your history.

Basically, you would need to accept the fact that a few airlines will not hire you based on your history.

You need professional advice. These guys specialize in this sort of aviation medical issue:

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/inde...useaction=home

I agree.

DANGER! If you admit to something that occured PRIOR to your last medical, and you failed to report it on that medical, you could be in a world of legal hurt. DO NOT ask your AME about this (unless he is your uncle). Talk to an aviation lawyer if you're in this situation.

I have a question, if you are color blind, but can easily pass the lantern test, I'm I okay, I can easily see red and green and white. I've seen the lights in the run way and can easily see the difference, I also can look up at airplanes in the sky and easily tell the difference between the green and red in the tip of the wings. Thanks. I just can't seem to pass this dumb thing. http://ricksaphire.com/colorblind/

Since this turned into a medical forum I'll ask a question too. I never get heart-burn/indigestion, so when I got heart-burn some time ago I had no idea what it was! I went to the ER thinking I might have a heart-attack. Well, they did all the tests and told me I was ok – I had heart-burn. Never took any medication.

What's your opinion – need to disclose at my next medical or not?

I personally think that is like pooting during PE in 8th grade. It's embarassing and I would not admit to it =) but it makes a good story. Tell your ME about it and he will probably laugh. My fiance did the same damn thing one night, but that's what she gets for eating my chili. I gave her some tums and put her to bed.