CAA Guidance
Can Pilots or ATCOs take Antidepressants ?
At present there are four antidepressant medications approved by the CAA for safe flying subject to limitations/monitoring. These include citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram and fluoxetine. Please note that any use of such medications, or change in dose, needs to be disclosed to your AME beforehand. Periods of Medical suspension as well as Simulator Checks or Medical Flight Tests may be required. If in doubt please consult your AME. This is merely a guide - please refer directly to the CAA website for regulatory information.
CAA Guidance
Can Pilots or ATCOs use Hypnotics (Sleeping Medication)?
Subject to declaration and approval by your AME, Temazepam or Zaleplon may be approved for use in the short-term treatment of insomnia. Caution will be advised by your AME on starting these medications and there will be a minimum period during which the medication cannot be taken before exercising licence privileges (usually eight hours)..Hypnotics should not be taken continuously for more than one week because of the risk of dependency developing. All other hypnotics (including Zolpidem and Zopiclone), melatonin and “over the counter” preparations such as Diphenhydramine and Promethazine are not acceptable for medical certification. This is merely a guide - please refer directly to the CAA website for regulatory information.