Hi! So, I am a current sophomore in high school. I am doing more research for when I start my application to the academies (specifically USNA) in about a year. Some background on my situation, about 3-4 months ago I was put on a low dose of anxiety medication, which I have found that I don't need. Come May, I'm am able to get off of it. I'm afraid that when I will apply this short time of taking medication will medically disqualify me. Is there any way I can address this so that it won't be a problem? Thanks!
Anxiety Medication?
- Thread starter PNAVY
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Yes. When you get to the part of the DODMERB questionnaire that asks about it, answer fully, completely and honestly. That’s the only right thing to do. And from there, let the chips fall where they may.
As a commissioned officer, it won’t be just about you. Above all, it’ll be about the men and women whom you lead. You owe them the truth — nothing more and nothing less.
As a commissioned officer, it won’t be just about you. Above all, it’ll be about the men and women whom you lead. You owe them the truth — nothing more and nothing less.
+1 to the previous post. If you have not already done this, go to https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/ and click on "Question on the Process?". If you want to know more about accessions and medical standards, do a web search for DoDI 6130.03 Volume 1 and read section 6.28. LEARNING, PSYCHIATRIC, AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS.
EMCJohnson
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My son took anxiety meds at your age. He was rightfully DQd but did get waiver granted (as ROTC scholarship cadet).
Honesty is key. If you were diagnosed you should put it down, anticipate the DQ but know that it just means they're going to need more info. Your current state of mind is what matters.
Honesty is key. If you were diagnosed you should put it down, anticipate the DQ but know that it just means they're going to need more info. Your current state of mind is what matters.
I took antidepressants for about 3 or 4 months when I was 15, and it DQ'd me for "history of anxiety". I was able to get waivers for all ROTC branches and USAFA. Never took them in college. When it came time for my flight physical in ROTC after selecting pilot, a waiver wasn't even needed because it was so long ago and for so short of a time, and I was cleared for flying 
As long as you're not on the meds for a long time, and you've been off them long enough (like 1 year) before applying, it won't matter. You can show them you're able to function well and excel without being on them. What will DQ you permanently (and I've seen it before with classmates...) is being dishonest on your forms.
As long as you're not on the meds for a long time, and you've been off them long enough (like 1 year) before applying, it won't matter. You can show them you're able to function well and excel without being on them. What will DQ you permanently (and I've seen it before with classmates...) is being dishonest on your forms.
EMCJohnson
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To piggyback IVY22's comment above my son knows someone in ROTC who was dishonest and was released. He was told they would have requested a waiver on him but he blew it by lying about it. Integrity matters to the military. Always. Begin your career with it.
Probably would be good to make sure your medical records reflect when you are free from the medication and any other change. The advice to be honest about your medical situation is spot on. Don't exaggerate anything in any direction - just the facts. If a waiver is appropriate, it will likely be provided. Bear in mind that there are multiple paths to serving - and each has different waiver authorities. So, you might maximize your chances by applying to multiple commissioning programs. Be well!
Small Team Bacsi
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Come May I am able to get off it?
This would suggest an ongoing issue. I can’t speak to this type of DQ meds but I can as far as others types of DQ meds——ADHD.
A major consideration is how long you have been off the meds. If this is something the doctors don’t think is an issue why are they continuing to Rx it?
My latest went off meds, with the doctors ok, the moment they realized a SA might be in their future.
Id be chatting with your doctor to get their advice as to whether they think meds are needed or not.
This would suggest an ongoing issue. I can’t speak to this type of DQ meds but I can as far as others types of DQ meds——ADHD.
A major consideration is how long you have been off the meds. If this is something the doctors don’t think is an issue why are they continuing to Rx it?
My latest went off meds, with the doctors ok, the moment they realized a SA might be in their future.
Id be chatting with your doctor to get their advice as to whether they think meds are needed or not.
IggyMom23
USMA Mom—2027
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Talk to your doctor ASAP if you both truly feel you don’t need it anymore, as you’ve said. You can begin the tapering process sooner I than May, if the weaning process is where the timeline is coming from. I am a mental health RN, and most medications can be safely tapered and dc’d by 4-6 weeks. And 3-4 months of use is fairly short. But please talk to your doctor about what is right for you. Keep in mind, you may feel like you don’t need it anymore because it’s working.