Army dodmerb question

[Louis1995]

So here's the situation.. I was on Prozac for mild depression perscribed for about 3 months and I've since been off the medication for over 7 months. What I want to know is if it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll get a waiver considering I have no other issues.

Also what would happen if I were to resume taking Prozac once I'm active duty? I've heard it's fairly common of troops to take perscribed meds without any problems. I do not rely on the pills but they certainly help me focus. I've made sure that it'll be two years since I've been off the meds by the time I contract so I can qualify for a waiver.

 

[Jcc123]

No one here can really speak to the likelihood of your receiving a waiver, as it depends on many factors and varies by service.

While your odds of receiving one would be improved if you were off the medication, you have to actually no longer need the drug - not just take a break in order to satisfy the drug-free time period required by the military. Considering you're asking how quickly you can begin taking it again, my suspicion is you are not able to come off the medication at this time.
Regardless of whether or not you're still on the medicine, you're likely to be DQ'd for the initial diagnosis.

Really, though, the only way to find out if you're medically eligible is to begin the process, be honest in all your dealings re: DoDMerb physicals, and let the process work. The Standards of Medical Fitness exist to protect you as well as the Military.

 

[Louis1995]

I have been living perfectly fine off my meds. All I said was that I feel a little better when I'm on them, but by no means am I reliant on them.

I have trouble understanding why TONS of active duty soldiers on prescribed anti depressants are able to do so without repercussion, yet as a future cadet I'd be dq'd because of this? Doesn't sound right. And if you don't believe me that active duty soldiers are on prescribed meds, then take a look at this article published in time magazine titled America's medicated army

Since I don't meet the post requirement to give links, just do a quick google search and you'll find the article

Not only are these troops on prescribed meds, but they're taking the same exact pill I was on..

 

[sheriff3]

Louis1995. I understand your frustration. That being said... Current active duty and incoming cadets are light years apart in medical standards. Also as many have noted in previous threads waiver guidelines will be tightening up. The only guarantee regarding waivers is that there are no slam dunks. What was waived previously may not get waived and vise versa. The best advice I can give you is this. Honestly answer the questions on the form and be prepared to offer documentation to support your answers. If you need to research further look at the older DoDMERB posts here. Also there is a service provided by the former director of DoDMERB who may be able to give you the direction you seek. I wish you the best of luck moving forward.