SSRI Denial Letter

[TheNoobishPilot]

Hi All,

I’m hoping to get some information as my letter didn’t really state much so I’d like to know what to expect. I currently take 2 SSRI medications (Zoloft and Wellbutrin), which prompted the denial of my medical certification. I was speaking to my physician and they are comfortable ending only 1 or even both medications.

My question is, if both are discontinued will I have to still go through all of the same testing as if I remained on 1? Will the requirement to work with a HIMS still be there? I know pathway 1 states that discontinuing medications for 60 days would be to reapply. But I have a hard time believing they would just simply issue without additional testing. Also would reapplying consist of another medical physical?

I truly thank anybody that can provide some clarity. I am extremely overwhelmed and discouraged at this point

 

[Anthem]

yes to almost all of your questions. 60 days is a pathway. The pathway doesnt have a fast track that you would qualify for.

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

yes to almost all of your questions. 60 days is a pathway. The pathway doesnt have a fast track that you would qualify for.

So getting off of one of the medications for 60 days and then getting a whole other physical done will bypass the HIMS AME route? I’m just asking because you mention 60 days is a pathway but there is no fast track?

 

[FatherPilot]

It will be 6-9 months of appointment making and document submissions then waiting for OKC to process and approve a Special Issuance valid for 6-12 months. Best case. Then you can continue following their instructions for renewal or go Basic Med.

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

It will be 6-9 months of appointment making and document submissions then waiting for OKC to process and approve a Special Issuance valid for 6-12 months. Best case. Then you can continue following their instructions for renewal or go Basic Med.

That’s even after of getting off one or both of the meds?

 

[flyingron]

So getting off of one of the medications for 60 days and then getting a whole other physical done will bypass the HIMS AME route? I’m just asking because you mention 60 days is a pathway but there is no fast track?

It's actually 6 months now, not 60 days (despite some FAA publications to the contrary). However, if you have ever been treated with multiple agents, you are not permitted to use that path.

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

It's actually 6 months now, not 60 days (despite some FAA publications to the contrary). However, if you have ever been treated with multiple agents, you are not permitted to use that path.

Ok I called the FAA who confirmed 60 days. However, I was treated with 2 medications so what should the next steps I take be? I’m honestly just lost

 

[FatherPilot]

It's a catch-22 getting off the meds: Great! you are off the medication, doing better. But since you needed them, going forward we have to monitor you and make sure you don't need them again. There's no backsies, forget about that SSRI thing it's in the past...permanent record.

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

It's a catch-22 getting off the meds: Great! you are off the medication, doing better. But since you needed them, going forward we have to monitor you and make sure you don't need them again. There's no backsies, forget about that SSRI thing it's in the past...permanent record.

And you said “we” are you with the FAA? And do you offer consulting service?

 

[Ed Haywood]

It's a catch-22 getting off the meds: Great! you are off the medication, doing better. But since you needed them, going forward we have to monitor you and make sure you don't need them again. There's no backsies, forget about that SSRI thing it's in the past...permanent record.

Not entirely true. The situational depression tool allows fast track issuance for SSRI usage of less than 6 months. The depression and anxiety tool allows fast track issuance for SSRI usage discontinued for more than 2 years.

Unfortunately the simultaneous use of more than one psychoactive medication is disqualifying for both fast tracks and requires deferral.

 

[bbchien]

Actually decision path one is, pratically, only availabe to those whose whole psychiatry course is
(1) < 5 years
and
(2) has not had a period of off meds and then back on meds.
That's not published but part of the criteria for "recurrent disease".

Recurrent disease, untreated and unmonitored is 100% denied. Fast tracks also exclude "recurrency".

 

[unsafervguy]

Actually decision path one is, pratically, only availabe to those whose whole psychiatry course is
(1) < 5 years
and
(2) has not had a period of off meds and then back on meds.
That's not published but part of the criteria for "recurrent disease".

Recurrent disease, untreated and unmonitored is 100% denied. Fast tracks also exclude "recurrency".

glad to see your back doc!

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

Is anybody able to provide assistance as to what the next steps are for somebody in my situation. I honestly don’t know what to do at this point or if it’s worth even pursuing

 

[bbchien]

glad to see your back doc!

Thanks. Noobish just need some help. He might NOT have a pathway and there's nothing worse than banging your head against the wall if you might never meet spec....

.....And we'll see how long the attached holds out....

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

Thanks. Noobish just need some help. He might NOT have a pathway and there's nothing worse than banging your head against the wall if you might never meet spec....

.....And we'll see how long the attached holds out....
View attachment 138101

Thank you. If there is any information you can provide. I’m just trying to see if my dream is dead or if it is possible to get this done. I can’t believe the lack of support from the FAA when the letter indicates nothing

 

[Roller]

Resorting to drugs is often a bad call, documenting it or having insurance pay for it is even worse. Best of luck, maybe take some time alway from everything and try to get your head right, vigorous exercise and a good diet helps

 

[TheNoobishPilot]

Resorting to drugs is often a bad call, documenting it or having insurance pay for it is even worse. Best of luck, maybe take some time alway from everything and try to get your head right, vigorous exercise and a good diet helps

I’m not sure why you felt the need to say this….. thanks for providing no helpful input. It would be great if you read the whole forum before kicking someone while they are already down

 

[Roller]

I’m not sure why you felt the need to say this….. thanks for providing no helpful input. It would be great if you read the whole forum before kicking someone while they are already down

Not what you want to hear, but that’s the same as most who do drugs say, most would do way better to say no to drugs exercise and eat better

I don’t care if you got your drugs off the corner or the corner “pharmacy” same thing


Advice, get off drugs, get your head right, talk to a FAA versed lawyer who can spearhead you going forward