SSRI confusion. AME did NOT "note box 60"

Jeremy Grubaugh

Filing Flight Plan
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Jermerqua
I am studying to get my Private certificate now. Now here's the frustrating path I've been down...

ONE:
I went to the AME who deferred my certificate due to the fact that I was on Celexa. I actually had a prescription so I noted it (mistake), however, hadn't taken for some time due to the fact that it was a situational thing during my divorce which occurred several months prior. My AME, who appeared to want to collect his $110 and get me on my way, informed me that the FAA would send me a letter in the next couple weeks as to next steps.

TWO:
I quickly learned through research that there was an option to discontinue use of SSRI for 60 days which was the clear choice for me. I made an appointment with my Dr. 2 days later. Told him the plan and he began documenting the choice and the fact that I actually had already been off of them.

THREE:
No letter came for over a month and a half. Finally, when the letter came it is suggesting a PATH B where I need to follow the airman information and HIMS AME Checklist. This is essentially a checklist for those who choose to remain on.

NOW HERE'S MY BIG CONCERN
Upon reviewing 'decision path 1' it states that the "AME notes in Block 60 and defers issuance"... My AME did not do this. I called him and he said he can not access after he submits. My worry is that I do not have the option to opt for the decision path which allows for me to get off the medication.

FOUR:
I have been off now for 60 days and have my Doctors not stating that I'm stable and good to go.

The question
Are my hands tied because my AME forgot to check a box? I've called the FAA medial line a couple times and they just refer to the fact that my case is under review and nothing else. I'm honestly at a loss and have now discontinued my training due to this. It's unfortunate considering my specific situation and the fact that I simply stated I had a prescription even though I hadn't been on the prescription for months. Ugh! Please, any council is appreciated. I'd love to continue with my training.
 
Yes. "Doctors note" :)

Also I was only on Celexa for under 2 years for what was documented as "situational depression".
 
If you're serious about getting your medical, at this point you should contact Dr Bruce Chien or other good AME[1] as suggested above. He knows this stuff.

http://www.aeromedicaldoc.com/

[1] Good AME: One who is actually interested in getting and keeping airmen in the air, as opposed to your guy who took your $110 and kicked you out the door.
 
Oh lord. I wish you had come here first. Yes this is easy if you get your ducks in a row first. Doc Chien is the way to go like Bill steered you.
 
So I just called and they told me to fax in the Dr. note and call 2 days later to ensure its flagged in my paperwork. I'll do this and contact a better AME and take it from there. Hind sightbis 20/20.
 
What's the way to contact Dr. Bruce?
Please note the link below....that is how you contact Dr. Bruce. See the "How to start" link where you can contact him.

If you're serious about getting your medical, at this point you should contact Dr Bruce Chien or other good AME[1] as suggested above. He knows this stuff.

http://www.aeromedicaldoc.com/

[1] Good AME: One who is actually interested in getting and keeping airmen in the air, as opposed to your guy who took your $110 and kicked you out the door.
 
This is one of the many reasons why the FAA medical is so frustrating. Doctors prescribe medications all the time that people either take for a short period of time or never take at all. I was prescribed a medication by my primary care doc. Didn't take it because I was meeting with specialist doc a week later. Specialist doc said don't bother with that it is just like something you took before that you didn't tolerate well. But that prescription is in the record. They weren't FAA no goes but what if they were?

The other thing that bugs me is they give you a print out about why you were there. The problem is that some of the things are just suggestions that they talk to you about because you are there for other reasons. But it looks like you are there for that suggested reason and I assume that goes in the record. Probably also so they can maximize the insurance dollars.

Sadly pilots are caught in the middle. I am so thankful for Basic Med I hope eventually it goes farther. It is no wonder pilots with FAA medicals avoid going to the doctor.
 
This is one of the many reasons why the FAA medical is so frustrating. Doctors prescribe medications all the time that people either take for a short period of time or never take at all. I was prescribed a medication by my primary care doc. Didn't take it because I was meeting with specialist doc a week later. Specialist doc said don't bother with that it is just like something you took before that you didn't tolerate well. But that prescription is in the record. They weren't FAA no goes but what if they were?

The other thing that bugs me is they give you a print out about why you were there. The problem is that some of the things are just suggestions that they talk to you about because you are there for other reasons. But it looks like you are there for that suggested reason and I assume that goes in the record. Probably also so they can maximize the insurance dollars.

Sadly pilots are caught in the middle. I am so thankful for Basic Med I hope eventually it goes farther. It is no wonder pilots with FAA medicals avoid going to the doctor.

I'm one of them and from what I've read I have quite the up hill battle.
 
Doctors prescribe medications all the time that people either take for a short period of time or never take at all. I was prescribed a medication by my primary care doc. Didn't take it because I was meeting with specialist doc a week later. Specialist doc said don't bother with that it is just like something you took before that you didn't tolerate well. But that prescription is in the record.
There is no question on the medical application that asks for your prescription history. Your AME may ask questions about treatment for disclosed conditions, but the form only asks for medications you are taking.
 
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