Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying?
The FAA does not maintain a list of acceptable medications. Pilot performance is affected by both the underlying medical condition(s) and medication (s); we must consider both in individual cases.
You should consult with your FAA Regional Flight Surgeon or designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to determine if your condition or treatment precludes flying. You can find contact information for your Regional Flight Surgeon or your AME on our website.
You may not fly if you are taking any of these types of medications. If you aren't sure whether your medication falls into one of these categories, you should check with your AME:
- Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan
- Most antidepressants. PLEASE NOTE: According to new FAA policy announced in the Federal Register on April 5, 2010, some conditions and medications are acceptable. Please see the Federal Register Announcement for the requirements to qualify for a special issuance authorization (waiver).
- Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin
- Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril
- Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop
- Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec
- Antipsychotics, such as Mellaril, Thorazine, Haldol
- Over-the-counter active dietary supplements, such as Kava-Kava, Valerian
You can also find helpful information in our brochure "Medication and Flying".