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Can flight attendants take Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Extended Release (ER) and Sustained Release (SR) are acceptable on a case by case basis while Immediate Release (IR) is not. Typically these are approved by the FAA for mild to moderate depression on a case by case basis only.



As of 2026, flight attendants are generally allowed to take Wellbutrin (bupropion), but it remains a medication that requires careful disclosure and professional review. Unlike pilots, who are subject to the FAA's strict "Special Issuance" process for antidepressants, flight attendants are primarily governed by their individual airline's occupational health policies and the FAA's broader safety standards. In May 2023, the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine officially approved Wellbutrin XL and SR for pilot use under specific conditions, which signaled a broader acceptance of the drug within the aviation industry. However, any crew member taking psychotropic medication must be able to prove they are stable on the dosage and that the drug does not cause side effects like drowsiness or blurred vision that could impair their ability to perform safety-sensitive duties during an emergency. It is essential for flight attendants to consult their airline's medical department and provide a doctor's note confirming the treatment is for a stable condition.

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