Depressed pilots will be able to take antidepressants while on the job

Depressed pilots will be allowed to fly planes while taking antidepressants even though some drugs have been proven to make users drowsy.

Currently the FAA bans pilots from taking any antidepressants while on the job, a rule that will be reversed starting on Monday.

Under the new rules, pilots who are battling depression will be allowed to take one of four antidepressants, as long as they alert the FAA of what is going on.

The drugs approved under the FAA rule are; Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro.

Pilots taking the drugs will be mandated to pass screening tests proving that the drugs actually work for them.

“We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression. Pilots should be able to get the medical treatment they need so they can safely perform their duties,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said.

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