Aviat Space Envir Md
-
Aviat Space Envir Md · May 2004
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialMelatonin and zopiclone as facilitators of early circadian sleep in operational air transport crews.
This study was an extension into an operational setting of previous laboratory work investigating the use of zopiclone and melatonin to facilitate early circadian sleep in transport aircrew. The previous laboratory-based study demonstrated that both melatonin and zopiclone were effective in inducing early circadian sleep without impacting on psychomotor performance after a 7-h sleep period. ⋯ Melatonin and zopiclone, in the dosages we used, are equipotent facilitators of early circadian sleep during transmeridian air transport operations.
-
Aviat Space Envir Md · May 2004
Aeromedical regulation of aviators using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depressive disorders.
This report, prepared at the request of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA), reviews the present status of aeromedical regulation of depressive disorders and antidepressant medications, emphasizing the role of serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Aeromedical certifying authorities (CAs) generally prohibit pilots from flying with a diagnosed depressive disorder, and also prohibit flying while taking antidepressant medications, including SSRIs. Some CAs are reassessing these prohibitions, which are based on long aeromedical practices, in view of changing medical management of depressive disorders. ⋯ AsMA urges all certificatory and regulatory authorities to consider immediately instituting a policy of using study groups to manage depressed aviators who require SSRI antidepressants. Protocols designed to aggressively manage the full spectrum of adverse possibilities related to SSRI use may enable the safe use of SSRIs in formerly depressed aviators who suffer no aeromedically significant side effects. In these closely managed cases of depressive disorders, special issuances or waivers for SSRI use are justified.