Aeromedical Factors

and use of marijuana withing their border. The this reaction is not their primary function. In some cases, FAA has stated, "Marijuana is an illicit drug per stimulants can produce anxiety and mood swings, both of federal law and its use by airmen is prohibited." which are dangerous when flying. Stimulants are drugs that excite the central nervous Depressants are drugs that reduce the body’s functioning in system and produce an increase in alertness and activity. many areas. These drugs lower blood pressure, reduce mental Amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine are all forms of processing, and slow motor and reaction responses. There are stimulants. Common uses of these drugs include appetite several types of drugs that can cause a depressing effect on the suppression, fatigue reduction, and mood elevation. Some body, including tranquilizers, motion sickness medication, of these drugs may cause a stimulant reaction, even though some types of stomach medication, decongestants, and antihistamines. The most common depressant is alcohol. Generic Or Treatment Substance Possible Side Effects Brand Name for Alcohol Beer N/A Impaired judgment and perception Liquor Impaired coordination and motor control Wine Reduced reaction time Impaired sensory perception Reduced intellectual functions Reduced tolerance to G-forces Inner-ear disturbance and spatial disorientation (up to 48 hours) Central nervous system depression Nicotine Cigars N/A Sinus and respiratory system infection and irritation Cigarettes Impaired night vision Pipe tobacco Hypertension Chewing tobacco Carbon monoxide poisoning (from smoking) Snuff Amphetamines Ritalin Obesity (diet pills) Prolonged wakefulness Obetrol Tiredness Nervousness Eskatrol Impaired vision Suppressed appetite Shakiness Excessive sweating Rapid heart rate Sleep disturbance Seriously impaired judgment Caffeine Coffee N/A Impaired judgment Tea Reduced reaction time Chocolate Sleep disturbance No-Doz Increased motor activity and tremors Hypertension Irregular heart rate Rapid heart rate Body dehydration (through increased urine output) Headaches Antacid Alka-2 Stomach acids Liberations of carbon dioxide at altitude (distension may cause Di-Gel acute abdominal pain and may mask other medical problems) Maalox Antihistamines Coricidin Allergies Drowsiness and dizziness (sometimes recurring) Contac Colds Visual disturbances (when medications also contain antispasmodic drugs) Dristan Dimetapp Omade Chlor-Trimeton Diphenhydramine Aspirin Bayer Headaches Irregular body temperature Bufferin Fevers Variation in rate and depth of respiration Alka-Seltzer Aches Hypoxia and hyperventilation (two aspirin can contribute to) Pains Nausea, ringing in ears, deafness, diarrhea, and hallucinations when taken in excessive dosages Corrosive action on the stomach lining Gastrointestinal problems Decreased clotting ability of the blood (clotting ability could be the difference between life and death in a survival situation) Figure 17-9. Adverse affects of various drugs. 17-17