Question for medical experts
 

I know that taking anti deppressents is not allowed but what does the FAA say about herbs like SAM - E and St. Johns Wort? Also, would these show up on a drug test at all as something bad?

I have a friend that wants to be a commercial pilot and is trying the herbal method rather than prescription drugs. I told him to so some studying up on it but I figured i would ask on here to see if anyone knew.

When issuing medical certificates, the FAA considers first the medical condition and then the medication.

I know of a few cases of people being approved for using St. John's Wort. However, in all of those cases, there was NO UNDERLYING PSYCHIATRIC condition. That is the key. The medication itself is often not the issue, it is the condition that it is treating that the FAA is concerned with.

I used to be close to this outfit when they were in their old location. They have moved to OKC now and have a reputation all across the industry of helping pilots with medical issues. Give them a call and they can definately provide guidance based on your specific situation.

http://www.leftseat.com/

St. John's Wort is an OTC supplement, not a medication I think. Unless formally prescribed by a Dr., you would not have to report it I believe.

Many cases of mild depression can be handled without medical intervention by diet (lay off the booze!), exercise, stress management, and stuff like St. Johns. It is VERY common for pilots to deal with this on their own, since the alternative is unemployment.

If your friend hasn't already polluted his official medical record with this stuff, he may want to carefully consider his career before he does so.

What is percieved as "depresion" in men can often be attributed to low testestrone level. Google "low testestrone" to read the symptoms. The next time your friend gets blood lab work, have them check. The problem is cured with suplements (patch or gel). If your friend is female, have her duscuss non-prescription suplements with Dr.

Caution - raising ones testestrone level can result in "over the top" posts on this network.

hahaha ANDROPAUSE!!! the male menopause. i better not laugh at this, very serious.

I'm in the same boat. I caved in and am now taking a medication called Lexapro for anxiety. It's considered a mild medication. As per the rules my medical is voided. I talked with AOPA and they seemed to say it's not as big of a deal as you'd think.

First they said that talking to a counselor (psychologist, etc) does not count and is perfectly fine as long as you can self-certify that you're fine to fly.

Secondly, they said that when you're done you simply have to wait 6 months and then reapply for your medical and include a letter form you psychiatrist stating that the problem was due to life issues and was temporary, and that it is unlikey to happen again. This is a reasonable assumption since using the medication in combination with therapy will often times make permanent positive changes in brain chemistry.

Third, AOPA said you can technically still take part in flying activites that do not require a medical, as long as you can self-certify that you are safe to fly. I'm currently looking into sport pilot and glider flying.

Finally, I think a good part of the reason for the rule against this sort of stuff is because of the side effects: The stuff tends to make you drowsy and tired.

As for the airlines most don't care as long as you're certified when you apply.

Hope that helps.