The SSRi Road To Hell by Bob Fiddaman

I have previously wrote about Pfizer's anti-smoking [mind-warping] drug, Champix [Chantix in the US], where I had learned that both the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] and the Civil Aviation Authority [CAA] had banned this particular drug for use in their pilots and Air Traffic Controllers [ATCO's].

It came as no surprise to me seeing as Champix can cause some pretty nasty side-effects, some that could basically turn those prescribed it into a raving lunatic.

It got me thinking. If Champix was banned for use in our pilots and ATCO's then what of other mind-altering drugs such as SSRi's?

It's two-fold really. Who would want to fly with 'Loony Airlines' whose pilots and ATCO's are drugged up on SSRi's? And being treated for an illness that needed SSRi's has to come into the equation too... unless of course they had been given an SSRi for premature ejaculation - no problem with a pilot who arrives to quickly in my book.

I wrote back to the CAA and also made a fresh request to the MHRA.

Have pilots and ATCO's been banned from taking Seroxat and other SSRi's?'

The answer is a resounding Yes. This from Jill Vening, Senior Aeromedical Adviser, CAA, Gatwick:

"Dear Mr Fiddaman,

Thank you for your e/mail query regarding Seroxat & pilots/ATCO's. I can confirm that the UK CAA does not permit this medication or any other of the SSRI group of drugs and psychotropic medication in general to be taken whilst holding a valid medical certificate. This is because of the side effect profile and the condition for which it has been prescribed."

Short and sweet but transparency at its best.

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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