FAA allows pilots to take anti-depressants
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/04/02/us/AP-US-Pilots-Antidepressants.html?_r=1&hp
Under the new policy, pilots who take one of four antidepressants -- Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa or Lexapro -- or their generic equivalents will be allowed to fly if they have been successfully treated by those medications for a year without side effects that could pose a safety hazard in the cockpit. The antidepressants are classified as SSRIs, which help regulate mood.
In addition, the FAA will grant a sort of amnesty for pilots who have kept their treatment a secret. The agency will not take civil enforcement action against pilots who, within six months, disclose their diagnoses of depression and treatment.
Technically, the new policy would not protect pilots who lied about the issue from criminal prosecution, a spokesman for the agency said. But the inspector general of the Department of Transportation has said that prosecution would only be sought in extraordinary cases, such as when other criminal conduct was involved, according to Les Dorr, spokesman for the FAA.
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
Tell ya what ..
Flying is a great anti-depressant.
As long as you have money for gas, oil, tie down and insurance.
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
Correctable conditions (i.e. eyeglasses, hair transplantation, nose lifts and cosmetic surgeries.......you are good to fly (and probably look good as well :D )
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
Correctable conditions (i.e. eyeglasses, hair transplantation, nose lifts and cosmetic surgeries.......you are good to fly (and probably look good as well :D )
Spike, I'm not a doctor, but I play one on CapTalk. :D
In the situation you describe, if a pilot missed one dose or even a couple, that likely wouldn't be a problem as there would still probably be a medically effective amount of anti-depressant in the pilot's bloodstream.
Depression is a far more widespread problem that society wants to admit. Many people function perfectly well on anti-depressants. It's when depression is not treated that creates problems for the individual or others. We're not talking about a person who is hearing voices or is thinking someone is following them.
Anti-depressants take a while to become effective... 30+ days for some...
On the flip side you can go a number of days before you start feeling the downside of not having it.
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
The downside of people hiding their depression outweights the risk from people admitting it and getting treatment?
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
Maybe that policy should be changed as well. I'd rather have a medicated cop respond to an incident involving me than one that is not medicated because he'd lose his job.
I've been there. It's a bad place. Medication helps immensely. It's far past time that mental problems got recognition.
It is hoped that the anti-depressants will counteract the depressing affects of the alcoholism..
Quote from: a2capt on April 03, 2010, 04:09:33 AM
Tell ya what ..
Flying is a great anti-depressant.
As long as you have money for gas, oil, tie down and insurance.
I hope you're saying that tongue-in-cheek.
I have suffered from clinical depression for many, many years and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
I thank God that I have had doctors figure out medication regimens to keep me on an even keel.
It's one of those things where if you haven't been there, you won't understand.
Depression is the most least understood of "diseases."
I know plenty of folks clinically or otherwise, with various forms of depression
SOME folk here on CAPTalk probably would benefit by studying the issue for as long as they do for CAP activities this week...
CAPTAlkers and their so called cheery attitudes may benfit to understand why the FAA came to the understanding
Ever notice all the new training the FAA is doing on SBT and other instructional training they have been doing the last 5-8 years?
The probably are discovering new ways the brain thinks and they way people do the things they do....
So in the case of depression...some folks have probably "learned" to condition themselves with the "disease" with or without drugs.
The folks who do with the drugs ought not be ashamed....this in, the last 10 years (for the lack of better data) has been a "new" course of study of depression. It's more common than CAPers or even CAPTalkers think.....
It's a little more than worrying if the "pilot took his/her meds" today
The military woke up to the fact that failure to treat depression was leading to an increase in suicides. It took a while to get the system to stop considering people who had problems with the stress of combat as just "weak" and get them the treatment that would let them become effective again. It was a win-win.
A recent study revealed that New York City officers kill themselves at a rate of 29 per 100,000 a year. The rate of suicide in the general population is 12 per 100,000. Most of the victims are young males with no record of misconduct who shoot themselves while off duty. Maybe some prozac would help...
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
First of all, that's not how antidepressants work. Your ignorance is showing.
Secondly, the reason they were originally disallowed is because the antidepressants typically prescribed when the reg was written caused drowsiness. Current ones do not.
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
Everyone in the airline industry and in general aviation knows that the underground use of these anti-depressants has been widespread for years among pilots. Further, pilots who needed treatment were afraid to openly seek it.
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
Departments differ in this matter. LAPD permits the use of anti-depressants.
Quote from: dogboy on April 03, 2010, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
Departments differ in this matter. LAPD permits the use of anti-depressants.
Also, what business is it of your employers as to what is in your medical records. It is a violation of your privacy and absolutely NONE of their business. Cops are still citizens of the United States and have rights just like anyone else.
LAPD permits a lot of things that other agencies do not because of politics, not because they set the standard.
Quote from: Rotorhead on April 03, 2010, 08:49:36 PM
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
First of all, that's not how antidepressants work. Your ignorance is showing.
Secondly, the reason they were originally disallowed is because the antidepressants typically prescribed when the reg was written caused drowsiness. Current ones do not.
What?!?!?!? Take some Med school and call me in the morning. I can accurately tell you that drowsiness is still a side problem of many antidepressants., Only Four (4) new antidepressants have been added to the list in the last ten years.
I didn't go to med school, but over the past 20-odd years I have been prescribed everything from Imipramine to Zoloft.
The early tricyclic antidepressants had some nasty side effects, including dry mouth, constipation and, yes, drowsiness. When I was prescribed those I was directed to take them at night because of the drowsiness.
I remember when I was first prescribed Sinequan I was at my then-girlfriend's apartment when I took my first dose. It zonked me so bad that she wouldn't let me drive home and I spent the next 12 hours or so in the Twilight Zone.
The newer ones, SSRI's, are much less prone to cause drowsiness. I take Zoloft in the morning.
Important to remember: the same med is not going to affect two people exactly the same way. I've had bad side effects with meds that other people I know taking exactly the same thing at the same dosage had no problems with (and vice-versa).
Quote from: Spike on April 05, 2010, 05:11:06 AM
Quote from: Rotorhead on April 03, 2010, 08:49:36 PM
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
First of all, that's not how antidepressants work. Your ignorance is showing.
Secondly, the reason they were originally disallowed is because the antidepressants typically prescribed when the reg was written caused drowsiness. Current ones do not.
What?!?!?!? Take some Med school and call me in the morning. I can accurately tell you that drowsiness is still a side problem of many antidepressants., Only Four (4) new antidepressants have been added to the list in the last ten years.
D00d, there aren't many medications out there that DON'T have "drowsiness" listed as one of the possible side effects. Antidepressants, pain medications, what have you. Get this: even Ritalin, Focalin, and other derivatives of methylphenidate, which works on the same channels as COCAINE, have "drowsiness" listed as a possible side effect.
Basically, a medication has to list EVERYTHING that it can cause, even if the evidence showing that the side effect exists is marginal at best. It doesn't mean that the side effect occurs in most people, and it doesn't mean that if the side effect is present that it will alter the pilot's ability to fly in a way that is dangerous to the passengers.
Second, drowsiness is more commonly a biological symptom of depression. If the medication works the way it's supposed to, then treating the depression can actually help deal with the drowsiness inherent to the condition itself.
And while I'm not a medical student, I would never advertise as an expert, I am getting a degree in psychology with a focus on psychological abnormality and pharmacology. And have worked in a pharmacology and toxicology lab for the last year. And am applying to med school next year, and have therefore felt the need to be fairly well-read on the medical literature regarding my particular degree interests.
:)
Quote from: cap235629 on April 04, 2010, 01:08:29 AM
Quote from: dogboy on April 03, 2010, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
Departments differ in this matter. LAPD permits the use of anti-depressants.
Also, what business is it of your employers as to what is in your medical records. It is a violation of your privacy and absolutely NONE of their business. Cops are still citizens of the United States and have rights just like anyone else.
When you have a mdical condition that can affect how you can do a job, or that affects your preformance, they should have every right to be aware of it. They do not need to know every last detail, though.
As a Soldier, they know every last insgignificant detail of my medical history. I'm a US Citizen, and I have rights correct? I ought to call my congressman and compliain (tongue in cheak- I'm out in 19 days.)
Quote from: Nathan on April 05, 2010, 02:54:42 PM
Quote from: Spike on April 05, 2010, 05:11:06 AM
Quote from: Rotorhead on April 03, 2010, 08:49:36 PM
Quote from: Spike on April 03, 2010, 03:12:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
So?
I'd rather have medicated pilots than clinically depressed pilots.
And the morning the Pilot forgot to take his mes because he was in a hurry? ??? ? He goes into a troubled depression and flies all 300 passangers into the ground.
This is a no-brainer. Fit to Fly commercial airliners=no Medical conditions that can interfer with the operation of the aircraft while in flight.
First of all, that's not how antidepressants work. Your ignorance is showing.
Secondly, the reason they were originally disallowed is because the antidepressants typically prescribed when the reg was written caused drowsiness. Current ones do not.
What?!?!?!? Take some Med school and call me in the morning. I can accurately tell you that drowsiness is still a side problem of many antidepressants., Only Four (4) new antidepressants have been added to the list in the last ten years.
D00d, there aren't many medications out there that DON'T have "drowsiness" listed as one of the possible side effects. Antidepressants, pain medications, what have you. Get this: even Ritalin, Focalin, and other derivatives of methylphenidate, which works on the same channels as COCAINE, have "drowsiness" listed as a possible side effect.
Basically, a medication has to list EVERYTHING that it can cause, even if the evidence showing that the side effect exists is marginal at best. It doesn't mean that the side effect occurs in most people, and it doesn't mean that if the side effect is present that it will alter the pilot's ability to fly in a way that is dangerous to the passengers.
Second, drowsiness is more commonly a biological symptom of depression. If the medication works the way it's supposed to, then treating the depression can actually help deal with the drowsiness inherent to the condition itself.
And while I'm not a medical student, I would never advertise as an expert, I am getting a degree in psychology with a focus on psychological abnormality and pharmacology. And have worked in a pharmacology and toxicology lab for the last year. And am applying to med school next year, and have therefore felt the need to be fairly well-read on the medical literature regarding my particular degree interests.
:)
I love the disclaimers on TV for the various new prescription drugs we can run and get from our doctor: "Capalexor has been shown to cause some members to argue about uniform wear. Some studies show that it may make the fat and fuzzy thin and clean shaven and the thin and clean shaven fat and fuzzy. Long term effects of Capalexor may cause drowsiness or bleeding from the ears. Don't take Capalexor with alcohol or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Ask your doctor if Capalexor is right for you." :-*
(http://www.sternfannetwork.com/forum/images/smilies/Big/bigclap.gif)
Now THAT was funny!
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
So if California legalizes pot will the FAA allow the pilots to smoke a doobie before a flight departing and landing in California?
I'm wondering if this is an FAA bait and switch..........get all these people to admit they're using antidepressants then in a year saying after further research we're re-instituting the ban. Now they have a long list of people to take a hard look at.
Quote from: blackrain on April 07, 2010, 02:37:42 PM
Quote from: Flying Pig on April 03, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
My question is why was this lift of the ban necessary? As a cop I cant take Prozac and carry a gun, but I can fly a 747 full of people?
So if California legalizes pot will the FAA allow the pilots to smoke a doobie before a flight departing and landing in California?
I'm wondering if this is an FAA bait and switch..........get all these people to admit they're using antidepressants then in a year saying after further research we're re-instituting the ban. Now they have a long list of people to take a hard look at.
FP:
My first take would be that the federal aviation laws and regulations will preempt the California state laws in this area as it goes to the federal government's "police powers" to protect health and safety and its commerce clause powers to regulate interstate commerce, of which air transportation is clearly a part. Further, the feds have largely preempted the regulation of aviation vis-a-vis the states. So I wouldn't worry about "high" pilots from California legally being able to fly.
Seems like FWI--flying while intoxicated--has been a far, far greater problem among airline pilots than taking a toke before taking the yoke. :D
And your cynicism that this is a way to "weed" out (pardon the pun) :angel: depressed pilots is a level of cynicism that even a jerkbait lawyer like me can't muster. ;)
Perhaps the aviation attorneys amongst us could weigh in?
Pot would probably be treated the same way as alcohol if legalized.
For what it's worth, people who drive while high are immensely safer than those who drive while drunk. At least according to the medical literature.