Mental health
ADHD medications and stimulants
Stimulant / ADHD medication
Other names: methylphenidate, Ritalin, Concerta, dexmethylphenidate, Focalin, amphetamine
FAA guidance
Do not issue.
Examiner
Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate
FAA label
DO NOT ISSUE
The FAA documents quoted here name the class, not this medication. Crosscheck matched it through its class: Stimulant / ADHD medication.
The FAA lists ADD and ADHD medications and stimulants on its Do Not Issue list, even when used for other conditions, and the FAA's table says the examiner should defer the exam; it also says do not issue a medical certificate.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: ADHD medications and stimulantsWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's ADHD table gives its first row, the fast track, to a pilot with no treatment or use of ADHD medication for any reason, no symptoms and no instability in academic, occupational or social functioning in the past four years, and no other psychiatric condition or diagnosis, current or historical. Anxiety, depression and related conditions can use that row if the individual qualifies for their own Fast Track Pathway. For anyone currently taking ADHD medication for any reason, including as needed, or who stopped within the past 90 days, the ADHD table says taking ADHD medication is incompatible with aviation safety, the examiner defers, and the most recent detailed clinical progress note from the prescribing physician goes to the FAA; if the treating physician determines the medication can be safely discontinued, the individual should be off it at least 90 days before the Standard Track evaluation.
Show the FAA's words: ADHD medications and stimulantsThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
DO NOT ISSUE (DNI) MEDICATIONS
If the applicant is taking any of the following medications, AMEs should DEFER the exam. DO NOT issue a medical certificate to applicants who are using any of the following drug classes or medications for any condition:
PSYCHIATRIC OR PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS
Even when used for conditions other than mental health. Including but not limited to:
Antidepressants (some are allowed - see SSRI guidance)
Anti-anxiety (some are DNF - see that section)
Antipsychotics
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
Mood stabilizers
Stimulants
Tranquilizers
NO treatment or use of ADHD medication (for any reason) in past four (4) years AND NO symptoms in past four (4) years AND NO instability in academic, occupational, or social functioning within the last four (4) years AND NO other psychiatric condition(s) or diagnosis (current or historical). Exception: Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions can use this row if the individual qualifies for the Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Fast Track Pathway.
See Fast Track - FAA ADHD Evaluation General Information for Pilots and ATCS
C. Currently taking ADHD medication (for any reason), including PRN use OR Medication discontinued within the past 90 days OR Current symptoms Taking ADHD medication or symptoms of ADHD are incompatible with aviation safety. Submit the following for FAA review: The most recent detailed, clinical progress note from the prescribing physician which identifies the diagnosis and treatment plan. If the treating physician determines the medication can be safely discontinued, the individual should be off the medication a minimum of 90 days before obtaining the Standard Track - FAA ADHD Evaluation See Row B. DEFER