Anti-depressants & 3rd class medical - possible?

[Norm Green]

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 3rd class medical while taking
anti-depressants? I realize this is usually prohibited but was wondering if
there any exceptions to the rule and, if so, what are the chances of getting
one?


N.R. Green
PP-ASEL

[BT]

your best information is to contact the medical section of AOPA
but with others I have known.. the general rule has been no.. with proof of
resolution of the issue causing the depression no longer being a factor
after they have been off the medications for several months
B
"Norm Green" <norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote in message
et...
> Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 3rd class medical while taking
> anti-depressants? I realize this is usually prohibited but was wondering
> if there any exceptions to the rule and, if so, what are the chances of
> getting one?
>
>
> N.R. Green
> PP-ASEL
>
>

[Norm Green]

Bummer. Problem is, my condition is a chronic form of mild depression, so
going off the meds is not a good option. Looks like I'm grounded. :-(



"BT" > wrote in message
...
> your best information is to contact the medical section of AOPA
> but with others I have known.. the general rule has been no.. with proof
> of resolution of the issue causing the depression no longer being a factor
> after they have been off the medications for several months
> B
> "Norm Green" <norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote in message
> et...
>> Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 3rd class medical while taking
>> anti-depressants? I realize this is usually prohibited but was wondering
>> if there any exceptions to the rule and, if so, what are the chances of
>> getting one?
>>
>>
>> N.R. Green
>> PP-ASEL
>>
>>
>
>

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Norm Green" <norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote in message
et...
> Bummer. Problem is, my condition is a chronic form of mild depression,
> so going off the meds is not a good option. Looks like I'm grounded.
> :-(

Assuming that your problem doesn't interfere with your ability to safely
operate an aircraft and, (as it appears) you have had enough sense to not
go out and flunk a medical, then the Light Sport option is still open. You
can have one heck of a lot of fun in an old Cub or a 65 horse T-Craft.
Newer LSA's are out there with a more modern look and cockpit as well. Your
basic limits would only be on the number of seats (2), maximum speed and no
IMC...

Gliders are another option that give you a lot of bang for the buck.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Ricky]

> > Bummer. *Problem is, my condition is a chronic form of mild depression,
> > so going off the meds is not a good option. *Looks like I'm grounded.


I believe hot air as well as gas balloons do not require a medical.
Hot air ballooning is a heck of a lot of fun. My bro. was a
competition hot air pilot & I've been up dozens of times and had
several lessons. Easy, fun, different, peaceful (especially the helium
balloons) and relatively inexpensive (well, helium ballooning is VERY
expensive) once equipment is purchased.

Ricky

[BT]

Norm.. gliders.. Light Sport and balloons..
Far from Grounded..
Bill

"Ricky" > wrote in message
...

> > Bummer. Problem is, my condition is a chronic form of mild depression,
> > so going off the meds is not a good option. Looks like I'm grounded.


I believe hot air as well as gas balloons do not require a medical.
Hot air ballooning is a heck of a lot of fun. My bro. was a
competition hot air pilot & I've been up dozens of times and had
several lessons. Easy, fun, different, peaceful (especially the helium
balloons) and relatively inexpensive (well, helium ballooning is VERY
expensive) once equipment is purchased.

Ricky

[Tech Support]

Norm

Tongue in cheek.

Have you thought about trading a 40 in for two 20's?

Sure to cure your depression :o)

Big John

************************************************** *


On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:10:06 -0800, "Norm Green"
<norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote:

>Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 3rd class medical while taking
>anti-depressants? I realize this is usually prohibited but was wondering if
>there any exceptions to the rule and, if so, what are the chances of getting
>one?
>
>
>N.R. Green
>PP-ASEL
>

[Norm Green]

Hey thanks Geoff, I forgot about the Light Sport option. I was smart enough
to not fail a medical so I could probably do it.

Norm


"Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" <The Sea Hawk @See My Sig.com> wrote in message
...
> "Norm Green" <norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote in message
> et...
>> Bummer. Problem is, my condition is a chronic form of mild depression,
>> so going off the meds is not a good option. Looks like I'm grounded. :-(
>
> Assuming that your problem doesn't interfere with your ability to safely
> operate an aircraft and, (as it appears) you have had enough sense to not
> go out and flunk a medical, then the Light Sport option is still open. You
> can have one heck of a lot of fun in an old Cub or a 65 horse T-Craft.
> Newer LSA's are out there with a more modern look and cockpit as well.
> Your basic limits would only be on the number of seats (2), maximum speed
> and no IMC...
>
> Gliders are another option that give you a lot of bang for the buck.
>
> --
> Geoff
> The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
> remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
> When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Tech Support]

I read that Omega-3 is a help for depression. It also helps the heart,
etc.

Cheap, over the counter, so easy to try with no bad side effects.

Read up on it on Internet.

Big John

************************************************** ******


On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:10:06 -0800, "Norm Green"
<norman_r_green_at_hotmail_dot_com> wrote:

>Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 3rd class medical while taking
>anti-depressants? I realize this is usually prohibited but was wondering if
>there any exceptions to the rule and, if so, what are the chances of getting
>one?
>
>
>N.R. Green
>PP-ASEL
>

[Darkwing]

<Tech Support> wrote in message
...
>I read that Omega-3 is a help for depression. It also helps the heart,
> etc.
>
> Cheap, over the counter, so easy to try with no bad side effects.
>
> Read up on it on Internet.
>
> Big John
>


St Johns Wort is also a known anti-depressant, it can be found in the
vitamin aisle. It is the number one prescribed (it is prescription in
Germany) anti-depressant in Germany, even more than Prozac and other SSRI's.
I don't think it is on the list of banned substances being that it isn't
considered a "drug" in the USA.

[vaughn]

<Tech Support> wrote in message
...
>I read that Omega-3 is a help for depression. It also helps the heart,
> etc.
>
> Cheap, over the counter, so easy to try with no bad side effects.
>
> Read up on it on Internet.
>
I think it may already be too late for the OP.

If the OP has already seen a doctor for the condition, he still has a
problem even if totally off medication. He will have to check "Yes" to
question 18m on the form 8500-8 when (or if) he applies for his medical, and
then the examiner will have to address the issue, which will set the wheels
of the FAA in motion...and not in a good way.

Check with the AOPA medical folks first, but the best option might be to not
apply so you don't screw up your chance to fly sport.

Vaughn

[Robert M. Gary]

On Jan 19, 2:27*pm, "Darkwing" <theducksmail"AT"yahoo.com> wrote:

> St Johns Wort is also a known anti-depressant, it can be found in the
> vitamin aisle. It is the number one prescribed (it is prescription in
> Germany) anti-depressant in Germany, even more than Prozac and other SSRI's.
> I don't think it is on the list of banned substances being that it isn't
> considered a "drug" in the USA.

I don't think the FAA medical application is restricted to
prescriptions. OKC may have questions as to why you put down that you
take St. John's daily. Personally I've found that pilots who have had
heartattacks and strokes have had an easier time getting a medical
than those with depressions. Depression seems to be on the "hit list"
for the FAA. Besides, the OP would have to put down that he was
diagnosed with depression so he's going to have to go through the
whole processes regardless.

-Robert