christmasgift
New member
I've been thinking about getting a PPL for several years, entirely for hobby purposes. After I droppedr some hints, the family pooled together for a Christmas present and purchased for me a Discovery Flight from a local flight school.
However, in doing some research the past several months, I have some questions that might be a hold up. After the New Year, I plan on having a consultation-only with an AME, and pending what transpires, might reach out to someone like Dr. Chien, who I see referenced here a lot.
The concern is that I've used one of the approved SSRI medications for several years. Roughly fine years ago I talked with my primary doctor about anxiety related to a hectic period in my life and I was prescribed an SSRI for generalized anxiety. I still see that same primary doctor, but quite frankly, I don't know if we've ever discussed the anxiety since, other than the nurse asking if I'm still in the medication while checking me in for routine checkups. I reached out to the primary doctor a couple weeks ago after I learned the SSRI might be a concern and the doctor let me know it's fairly typical to stay on the SSRI longterm if it doesn't cause any issues.
Hindsight 20/20, I wish I'd followed up more often with the doctor specifically about the SSRI use and only stayed on it short-term. But alas... I didn't know much about the SSRI or any potential future conflict.
The primary care doctor indicated willingness to work with me to come off the medication over a slow taper period, if that helps at all. As much as I want to fly as a hobby, I can't wrap my head around the costs and commitment of the in-depth screening required for SSRI clearance with the FAA.
I'd much prefer to, with the help of my primary care doctor, wean off the medication, let a period of several months lapse, reevaluate my interest in continuing the hobby PPL, and go from there. But I've read varying stories online about coming off an SSRI for greater than 60 days (after several years of usage) then getting a medical. Do you have any anecdotal or exact experience with this topic? Thank you.
However, in doing some research the past several months, I have some questions that might be a hold up. After the New Year, I plan on having a consultation-only with an AME, and pending what transpires, might reach out to someone like Dr. Chien, who I see referenced here a lot.
The concern is that I've used one of the approved SSRI medications for several years. Roughly fine years ago I talked with my primary doctor about anxiety related to a hectic period in my life and I was prescribed an SSRI for generalized anxiety. I still see that same primary doctor, but quite frankly, I don't know if we've ever discussed the anxiety since, other than the nurse asking if I'm still in the medication while checking me in for routine checkups. I reached out to the primary doctor a couple weeks ago after I learned the SSRI might be a concern and the doctor let me know it's fairly typical to stay on the SSRI longterm if it doesn't cause any issues.
Hindsight 20/20, I wish I'd followed up more often with the doctor specifically about the SSRI use and only stayed on it short-term. But alas... I didn't know much about the SSRI or any potential future conflict.
The primary care doctor indicated willingness to work with me to come off the medication over a slow taper period, if that helps at all. As much as I want to fly as a hobby, I can't wrap my head around the costs and commitment of the in-depth screening required for SSRI clearance with the FAA.
I'd much prefer to, with the help of my primary care doctor, wean off the medication, let a period of several months lapse, reevaluate my interest in continuing the hobby PPL, and go from there. But I've read varying stories online about coming off an SSRI for greater than 60 days (after several years of usage) then getting a medical. Do you have any anecdotal or exact experience with this topic? Thank you.
