Ask the Experts

Medication on the Job (Airline Pilot)

“I am an airline pilot and would like to try Ritalin on my vacation. If I try it for four days, how long do I have to wait until I am legal to fly again?”

Larry Silver, M.D.

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 By Larry Silver, M.D. Updated on April 24, 2017
Airplane cockpit
Airplane cockpit

The FAA guidelines for commercial pilots are very strict about using Ritalin and maintaining your license. I would not want to suggest any strategy that would allow you to take Ritalin and not have it show up on a urine test. There are other medications that can be used to treat ADHD that are not of concern to the FAA. Discuss these with your doctor.

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