Sleep
Kava, kratom and valerian
Dietary supplement with sedative effect
Other names: kava-kava, kratom, valerian root
FAA guidance
Do not fly while taking it.
If used routinely
The examiner should defer
FAA label
DO NOT FLY
The FAA lists kava, kratom and valerian on its Do Not Fly list; if the pilot uses one routinely, the FAA's table says the examiner should defer.
Track your medicationsMore detail: Kava, kratom and valerianThe FAA rules behind this answerOpen
FAA rule for sleep medication: The FAA puts all currently available sleep aids on its Do Not Fly list, prescription and over-the-counter alike, and if the pilot uses one routinely, the FAA's table says the examiner should defer. Its sleep aids page says occasional or limited use of sleep aids, such as for circadian rhythm disruption in commercial air operations, is allowable for pilots, and daily or nightly use of sleep aids is not allowed regardless of the underlying cause or reason. It also says medical conditions that chronically interfere with sleep are disqualifying regardless of whether a sleep aid is used or not. FAA, DO NOT ISSUE – DO NOT FLY Medications and general No Fly wait times
Show the FAA's words: Kava, kratom and valerianThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
DO NOT FLY (DNF) MEDICATIONS
The following medications have aeromedically concerning safety profiles. All medications listed below may cause sedation or drowsiness, impairing cognitive function and seriously degrading pilot performance.
OTC ACTIVE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Including but not limited to: Kava-Kava, Kratom, Valerian.
DO NOT FLY (DNF) MEDICATIONS
AMEs should caution pilots on use and provide additional No Fly wait times where applicable. If applicant is using the following medications routinely, AMEs should DEFER.