FAA Medical and Anxiety Medication (Paxil)

[jbal0370]

Doc,

I am hoping you can provide me with some guidance regarding my history of social anxiety and the FAA medical process.

I was diagnosed with social anxiety while in the military in 2004 and was prescribed 20 mg of Paxil which worked well to calm my anxiety. I have continued to use this medication for the majority of the last 10 years.

From what I understand any person taking paroxetine will not pass an FAA medical exam.

While the medication does help, I am able to live my daily life without the Paxil, and have no history of panic attacks.

If I discontinued use of the medication could I apply for some type of special issue medical certificate?


Thank you for your help!

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

You can be granted a Special Issuance for antidepressants. Here is the link to the FAA policy and procedure. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...m/ame/guide/app_process/exam_tech/item47/amd/

 

[jbal0370]

Thank you for the guidance Doc,

I read the guide; one area i'm not clear with is if a Special Issuance certificate would clear me for a 1st class medical cert, or is it only for 2nd/3rd class?

Your help is very appreciated.