Medications and Conditions

Many medical conditions and medications are compatible with flying. What matters is having the right documentation at your exam, so Dr. Grazer can issue your certificate in the office when the FAA allows it.

If you answered yes on MedXPress

Bring the records below for each condition you reported. A current note from your treating physician should describe your diagnosis, treatment, current status, and any side effects.

Medical history item	What to bring
Frequent or severe headaches	A current note from your treating provider or neurologist if you were evaluated, a medication list, and records of any ER or urgent care visits, imaging, or testing. Be ready to describe frequency, symptoms, treatment, and side effects.
Dizziness or fainting spell	A current note from your treating provider or specialist, a medication list, any ER or hospital records, and diagnostic testing. Be ready to describe episodes, triggers, and related symptoms.
Unconsciousness for any reason	ER or hospital records, diagnostic workup, specialist follow-up, treatment records, and any witness statement available.
Eye or vision trouble (except glasses)	For glaucoma or ocular hypertension, FAA Form 8500-14 (Report of Eye Evaluation for Glaucoma). For other eye conditions, FAA Form 8500-7 (Report of Eye Evaluation) completed by your eye specialist.
Hay fever or allergy	A current allergy or ENT note if the condition is chronic, significant, or treated with prescription medication, plus a medication list.
Asthma or lung disease	For asthma, a medication list, how often attacks occur and how severe they are, and any hospital or ER visits. For other lung conditions, records describing the diagnosis, symptoms, surgery, and medications.
Heart or vascular trouble	Medical reports. After a coronary intervention, the operative report, original cardiac catheterization report, stress test report, worksheet, and tracings (or legible copies).
High or low blood pressure	History and treatment information, a current medication list, and details of any complications, medication reactions, or hospitalization.
Stomach, liver, or intestinal trouble	Pertinent medical records, a current status report, and a medication list. If you had surgery, the operative and pathology reports.
Kidney stone or blood in urine	Pertinent medical records, a current status report, and a medication list. If you had a procedure, the procedure and pathology reports.
Diabetes	Medical records and a current specialist report, including treatment, medications, and any high or low blood sugar episodes.
Neurological disorders, epilepsy, seizures, stroke, paralysis	Pertinent medical records, a current status report, and a medication list.
Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety	A current note from your treating provider or mental health clinician, your diagnosis and treatment history, a medication list, and relevant therapy or hospitalization records.
Substance dependence, a failed drug test, or substance use in the last 2 years	A detailed history and any relevant treatment or drug test records. Please call our office before your exam so Dr. Grazer can confirm what is needed.
Alcohol dependence or abuse	A detailed alcohol and DUI history and any relevant treatment records. Please call our office before your exam so Dr. Grazer can confirm what is needed.
Suicide attempt	Medical records related to the incident. Psychiatric or psychological evaluations may also be required.
Motion sickness requiring medication	A current note from your treating provider and a medication list if treatment is ongoing. Be ready to describe how often it occurs and whether it has happened in flight.
Military medical discharge	The circumstances and dates of discharge. If you receive VA disability benefits, your claim and service numbers and any pertinent military medical records.
Medical rejection by military service	The place, cause, and date of rejection, and any relevant military documents.
Rejection for life or health insurance	The rejection notice, if available, and records describing the underlying condition.
Admission to hospital	The hospital discharge summary, any operative or procedure reports, and current follow-up records for the condition.
Other illness, disability, or surgery	Records, test results, or specialist reports for the illness, disability, or surgery.
Medical disability benefits	Your benefit award or eligibility letter, a description of the condition, and current records from your treating provider.

Reported an arrest, conviction, or administrative action involving driving, alcohol, or drugs? Bring the dates, the court or DMV disposition, and any treatment or education records, and call our office before your exam.

Medications the FAA does not allow

The FAA maintains a Do Not Issue list. If you take any of these, the AME must defer your exam. Categories include:

• Angina medications such as nitrates and ranolazine
• Certain anticholinergics, including some overactive bladder medications
• Controlled substances, including medical marijuana even where state law allows it
• Most psychiatric medications, including ADHD medications and stimulants (some antidepressants are allowed under specific FAA guidance)
• Seizure medications, even when used for other conditions such as migraine
• High-dose steroids (more than 20 mg of prednisone or equivalent per day)
• Certain weight loss medications, such as phentermine

The FAA also lists Do Not Fly medications, such as sedating antihistamines (for example, diphenhydramine), certain anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers. These cause drowsiness and require a waiting period before flying.

Medication rules change. Check the current FAA lists on our Resources page, and call us if you are unsure about anything you take.