Considering going through SSRI path 2, need help with timeline and $$$ expectations.

[gnr5]

Hi, new here, looking to start taking lessons. I'm 40, currently taking Lexapro since 2018, haven't changed dose or medicine. No other medical history or concern. No suicidal thoughts, nothing. Pretty healthy otherwise, just mild anxiety.

What are my options here? Anyone going through this process recently?

Please advise, thanks!

 

[Jon Wilder]

The good news is that Lexapro is one of the FAA approved SSRIs. You’ve been on it well past the adjustment period and it seems to work for you. I would first start by getting your records together, along with a clinical progress note from your treating psychiatrists.

Once you have this, find a HIMS AME and set up a “consult only” appointment. Bring your records with you.

As far as money and time, every situation is different. I will say plan on no less than $10K.

 

[gnr5]

The good news is that Lexapro is one of the FAA approved SSRIs. You’ve been on it well past the adjustment period and it seems to work for you. I would first start by getting your records together, along with a clinical progress note from your treating psychiatrists.

Once you have this, find a HIMS AME and set up a “consult only” appointment. Bring your records with you.

As far as money and time, every situation is different. I will say plan on no less than $10K.

Thanks!

Reading the SSRI Path 1, if I decide to not take it, after 60 days I can apply for regular issuance? Is that correct?

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

Hi, new here, looking to start taking lessons. I'm 40, currently taking Lexapro since 2018, haven't changed dose or medicine. No other medical history or concern. No suicidal thoughts, nothing. Pretty healthy otherwise, just mild anxiety.

What are my options here? Anyone going through this process recently?

Please advise, thanks!

Been through this myself, but for Zoloft. It takes about $7k-$10k for the evaluations, depending on where you are. Expect 2-3 months for the work on your and then another 8-12 months for the FAA to get back. Maybe sooner if OKC handles vs deferred to DC office.

Good luck!

 

[Jon Wilder]

Thanks!

Reading the SSRI Path 1, if I decide to not take it, after 60 days I can apply for regular issuance? Is that correct?

If you receive a favorable report from the treating physician after 60 days AND you’re not “white knuckling” it (i.e. you’re not “faking it till you make it”).

If you can truly function without them, then there is hope for a regular issuance. If not, you’ll have to be on a special. Don’t white knuckle it thinking you’re gonna save money on a regular issuance as this would make you medically unsafe.

 

[gnr5]

If you receive a favorable report from the treating physician after 60 days AND you’re not “white knuckling” it (i.e. you’re not “faking it till you make it”).

If you can truly function without them, then there is hope for a regular issuance. If not, you’ll have to be on a special. Don’t white knuckle it thinking you’re gonna save money on a regular issuance as this would make you medically unsafe.

Thanks, I think i'd be perfectly fine without it to be honest. My confusion is that the uncomplicated anxiety path calls for 2 years without medication (source: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Anxiety_Depression_Decision_Tool.pdf)

But the SSRI Path I calls for 60 days without medication.

 

[MVM19]

Thanks, I think i'd be perfectly fine without it to be honest. My confusion is that the uncomplicated anxiety path calls for 2 years without medication (source: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Anxiety_Depression_Decision_Tool.pdf)

But the SSRI Path I calls for 60 days without medication.

The difference between these two that you're referencing is regular issuance vs special issuance.

Path I and II are special issuance pathways, whereas the uncomplicated anxiety piece is for a regular medical that allows for an AME to issue your medical in office without sending it to OKC and DC for review.

My only two notes that might be helpful:

- I am fairly certain if you get off of Lexapro and need it again, the FAA views that as a recurrent condition and I believe your medical becomes a lot more difficult after that. Just something to be mindful of. I say that as someone who went through the similar journey of taking an SSRI and stopping it. I went through the special issuance process originally (but now am eligible for the uncomplicated anxiety pathway and use that.)

- What was your diagnosis with the Lexapro? The FAA cared more about that than the SSRI in my evaluation and ultimately the diagnosis was what previously complicated my medical.

(Also, just one more vote over here that my Path I Special Issuance probably cost $10K and took probably 12-18 months.)

 

[Half Fast]

- I am fairly certain if you get off of Lexapro and need it again, the FAA views that as a recurrent condition and I believe your medical becomes a lot more difficult after that.

This is true, but there’s also the option to go Basic Med and avoid the FAA hoops if he needs to start taking the med again.