Crosscheck

Your medical. Crosschecked.

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Mental health

Esketamine and your FAA medical

Antidepressant nasal spray
Other names: Spravato

FAA guidance

Do not issue.

Examiner

Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate

FAA label

UNACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Antidepressant Medications (table). FAA date 27 August 2025. Checked by Crosscheck 11 November 2026

The FAA lists esketamine as an unacceptable antidepressant.

Track your medications
Show the FAA's words: esketamineThe official FAA wording: one passage, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Antidepressant Medications (table) · FAA date 27 August 2025
UNACCEPTABLE Antidepressant Medications (Used as a single agent or in any combination product.) — esketamine (Spravato) All tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) All monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-I)
Sources and dates: esketamineOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

Questions pilots ask

Each answer is built from the FAA guidance on this page. Its sources and dates are in the page.

What does the FAA say about esketamine for pilots?

FAA guidance: Do not issue. The FAA lists esketamine as an unacceptable antidepressant. Crosscheck does not predict the FAA's decision.

What does the examiner do for esketamine?

Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate. Crosscheck does not predict the FAA's decision.

Related pages

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.