A good friend has confided in me that he has some concerns about his racing license and the meds he is taking. I have asked some MD's that I know and one psychiatrist that would not commit because he has never run across it before.
Does anyone know if antidepressants and related meds are a basis for denying someone a racing license?
This person is a fantastic driver and is always on the stick when driving. I have been in several races with him and never seen anything amiss.
I noticed he would go through some mood changes and saw a difference in him lately that was more positive in his demeanor.
He told me he went on Depakote and Cymbalta earlier this year and has to renew his license over the winter. That requires a doctor and disclosure. He said that he has not been able to find out if his license would be renewed if he disclosed everything. I found this article about Steve and Shane Hmiel's story: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/my-son-race-car-driver-druguse-survivor-0
Told him that I would try and find out and have hit a wall.
Anyone know?
Thanks
I think his license getting renewed is secondary to his safety and that of everyone else participating in the event. If the doc gives him the nod then he's good to go, if not I say tough cookies, there's always next season.
I can't see in full color. The SCCA has no problem with that because I can differentiate all of the flag colors (I actually think my brain translates whatever my eyes are telling it to what it thinks red and green look like).
However, the FAA told me to go berkeley myself when I asked about a second or first class medical. I can fly small aircraft, but I can't do it for a career. The Air Force wants nothing to do with a guy like me either.
I can't be a professional pilot (even though I'm a damn good pilot). It follows the tough cookies rule. Sometimes, we play the hands we're dealt and that's all we can do.
I don't know much about Cymbalta other than what I hear about on the TV. I did take did take Depakote for a while for chronic migranes. I never had any of the side effects but then it didn’t do much for the headaches and I was switched off of it. I think as long as he feels that he can keep driving and the Doc clears I think he should be fine. If I remember the warning for Depakote (and every other drug) is not to drive until your used to it.
