Varenicline
Brand names: Chantix|Last verified: 2026-09-12
FAA Pathway: AME can issue if no psychiatric history — 1-week ground trial
Varenicline (Chantix) is an acceptable smoking cessation medication. Your AME can issue if you have no history of psychiatric conditions or concerns, and will annotate its use on your exam. Do not fly for one week after starting. No wait is required after each dose. If it is used as part of treatment for a psychiatric condition, the FAA's anxiety and depression guidance applies instead.
Related Resources
Pilot Tip
Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.
Certification Details
Sources
- FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: Smoking Cessation (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Smoking_Cessation_Medications.pdf)
- FAA Do-Not-Issue/Do-Not-Fly Table (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DNI_DNF_tables.pdf)
Last verified: 2026-09-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Varenicline allowed for pilots?
The FAA considers Varenicline (Chantix) to be "Generally Approved" for medical certification purposes. Varenicline (Chantix) is an acceptable smoking cessation medication. Your AME can issue if you have no history of psychiatric conditions or concerns, and will annotate its use on your exam. Do not fly for one week after starting. No wait is required after each dose. If it is used as part of treatment for a psychiatric condition, the FAA's anxiety and depression guidance applies instead.
What is the FAA status of Varenicline?
Varenicline has a status of "Generally Approved" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: AME can issue if no psychiatric history — 1-week ground trial.
Can I fly while taking Varenicline?
Varenicline is generally compatible with flying. However, you must report it on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8) and ensure you are not experiencing side effects that could impair flight safety. Always consult your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Important Notice
The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.
The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.