Could I continue taking ADD medication after getting waiver?

classical774

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I've recently been awarded an AFROTC type 2 4-year scholarship. This month is the 24th month that I've been taking ADD medication (so if I discontinue the medication prescription for next month, I'll be eligible for an ADHD waiver).

I'm valedictorian of my high school, and I had straight A's when not on medication, but getting those kinds of grades was hard for me. I had to really, really push myself to concentrate. I'm planning on attending an Ivy League school, and I'm not sure if I want the stress of dealing with ADD without medication on top of my academic workload.

I'm confused by what the waiver would entail. Once I join the service (after presumably getting a waiver), will I have to discontinue the medication completely? I know plenty of military doctors that have been taking ADHD medication for years. But I also know people who got ADHD waivers and had to struggle through college without the medication (they continued the medication after college).

I'm planning on doing HPSP. This whole ordeal however has made me question whether to do ROTC during college or not.

Thank you so much!
 
I can't swear to this but I think it works this way... You may get a waiver if you've been off the drugs for 12 months without any accommodations made for testing etc. I'm pretty sure you will not be allowed to continue taking whatever drug you are on. Of course I'm working off of memory and I'm a senior citizen so I recommend the following from the AFROTC web site:
If you have a medical question, DODMERB is your only official source of information. Write DODMERB, Colorado Springs, CO 80840-2200, or call 719-333-3562.
 
@kinnem Rats. If I can't continue taking the medication, then AFROTC may not be for me.

I wonder how military doctors are allowed to take medication, however?
 
Double check it by calling that phone number.

Military doctors do not serve in a battlefield environment with the safety of large numbers of men and women hanging in their decisions. Doctors only screw it up one person at a time. :D
 
I am guessing you have not had DoDMERB yet? Every case is it’s own, but unless off meds for 12 months you won’t be issued a waiver until that is completed. Also, AFROTC in the know folks like PIMA, the scholarship will not kick in until DoDMERB cleared. I am not sure how AFROTC works to go under contract and back payment, if possible. If 12 months of no meds is required to be eligible for the waiver, then that means essentially your entire freshman year would need to be observed without it. As to using the medication while on scholarship or on active duty... don’t know exact rules, but I would definitely not plan on it. As stated, none of us are DoDMERB or the commissioning source that gives waivers, DoDMERB is the best source for these questions.
 
@NavyHoops I'll make sure to call! Thanks for your insights.

I have not been off the medication for 12 months so I know I'll be DQ'ed, but that can be waived as long as I have not been on it for more than 24 months after the age of 14 (which I haven't...at least, not until next month).

Hopefully it'll all work out!
 
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