FAA allows pilots to take anti-depressants

[Nathan]

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.

[RogueLeader]

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.)

[tdepp]

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."   

[Pumbaa]

Now THAT was funny!

[blackrain]

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.

[tdepp]

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. 

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?

[Nathan]

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.