Prozac and CIET.

Jazzz

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Jan 20, 2017
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Before that date, I have not used any medication. However, I was prescribed prozac last summer (June 2016) in order to help with anxiety I had that stemmed from family deaths. I am still on the prescription, however, my doctor says that I have recovered very well and am functioning normally.

I am trying to get contracted so that I can go to basic camp this summer. Would this prescription be an issue? If so, is there any way that I could fix it?
 
Generally speaking it's the disorder, not the prescription, that is disqualifying. You will be DQd for a history of anxiety disorder. However, it is waiverable unless it has required treatment for more than 12 months. If your doctor removes you from the medication soon, and will attest to the situational aspect of your anxiety, I'd say you have a shot at waiver.
 
In addition to qualify 24 months is required from your last treatment. A waver may be possible, but I do not know what the minimum time they would need to issue a waiver
 
In addition to qualify 24 months is required from your last treatment. A waver may be possible, but I do not know what the minimum time they would need to issue a waiver

I'm not sure the 24 months thing is accurate. ADHD & ADD require 12 months off of meds, but there is no time length specified for anxiety disorders. Source: AR 40-501, released in Dec 2016.
 
I'm not sure the 24 months thing is accurate. ADHD & ADD require 12 months off of meds, but there is no time length specified for anxiety disorders. Source: AR 40-501, released in Dec 2016.
DOD Instructions are applicable here. 6130.03
For Anxiety and acute reaction to stress.... :
"(3) The applicant has not required treatment (including medication) for the past 24 continuous months.
(4) The applicant has been stable without loss of time from normal pursuits for repeated periods even if of brief duration; and without symptoms or behavior of a repeated nature that impaired social, school, or work efficiency for the past 24 continuous months."

It doesn't mean the OP can't get a waiver though.
 
I'm not sure the 24 months thing is accurate. ADHD & ADD require 12 months off of meds, but there is no time length specified for anxiety disorders. Source: AR 40-501, released in Dec 2016.

I see in AR 40-501 where it states "k. Current or history of anxiety disorders (anxiety (300.01) or panic (300.2)), agoraphobia (300.21), social phobia (300.23), simple phobias (300.29), obsessive-compulsive (300.3), other acute reactions to stress (308), and post- traumatic stress disorder (309.81) do not meet the standard."

When I look at DoD Directive (DoDD) 6130.3 it says
p. History of anxiety disorders (300.01), anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (300.00), panic disorder (300.2), agoraphobia (300.21, 300.22), social phobia (300.23), simple phobias (300.29), other acute reactions to stress (308) UNLESS:
(1) The applicant did not require any treatment in an inpatient or residential facility.
(2) Outpatient care was not required for longer than 12 months (cumulative) by a physician or other mental health professional (to include V65.40).
(3) The applicant has not required treatment (including medication) for the past 24 continuous months.
(4) The applicant has been stable without loss of time from normal pursuits for repeated periods even if of brief duration; and without symptoms or behavior of a repeated nature that impaired social, school, or work efficiency for the past 24 continuous months.

As you can see AR 40-501 does not have the exceptions. That is where I got the 24 months. Or at least the caution when thinking about a waiver. Which document should be used? And Why?
 
If the medication was used to treat the grief reaction instead of anxiety, I could see a waiver being granted. Prozac is also used to treat depression. As others have previously stated, it's the diagnosis, not necessarily the medication, that DQ's someone.

Verify the actual diagnosis from for treatment records before you proceed.
 
@Jazzz read what @MabryPsyD wrote carefully and proceed cautiously. As always be truthful, but depending on your actual diagnosis you may want to work with your physician to accurately describe your specific situation.
 
If the medication was used to treat the grief reaction instead of anxiety, I could see a waiver being granted. Prozac is also used to treat depression. As others have previously stated, it's the diagnosis, not necessarily the medication, that DQ's someone.

Verify the actual diagnosis from for treatment records before you proceed.

I have just discovered what looks like a discrepancy in diagnoses in my DD's treatment records. In evaluation, it states adjustment disorder with depressed mood, code 43.21. Yet, in referral letter to pediatrician, diagnosis is stated as generalized anxiety disorder. I spoke with psychologist about this; she gave anxiety diagnosis to ped. in order that DD could try medication, since in her view meds were not usually authorized to treat adjustment disorder. Does this sound correct to you?
 
I'm not a med guru, but the general consensus is adjustment disorders are treated with psychotherapy instead of meds. What you describe sounds kosher to me.
 
I'm not a med guru, but the general consensus is adjustment disorders are treated with psychotherapy instead of meds. What you describe sounds kosher to me.

the problem is that military standards for enlistment view adjustment and anxiety disorder very differently - is it worth explaining above to dodmerb/waiver authority?
 
the problem is that military standards for enlistment view adjustment and anxiety disorder very differently - is it worth explaining above to dodmerb/waiver authority?

They know the difference.
 
That is good to hear! DD has already been DQ'd by DoDMERB, but that was expected - we are hoping AROTC will grant the waiver.
 
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