Help joining the military.

[superman27e]

I take 100 mg of zoloft everyday for about a year for anxiety. I plan on getting off waiting a year then joining the navy,but I read that if have current or history of anxiety then you cant join. does that mean that if uve ever had anxiety then you cant join? or what?

 

[jcook922]

I take 100 mg of zoloft everyday for about a year for anxiety. I plan on getting off waiting a year then joining the navy,but I read that if have current or history of anxiety then you cant join. does that mean that if uve ever had anxiety then you cant join? or what?

Speak to a recruiter and odds are you could easily get it medically waived if it was an issue. It might not even be an issue in the first place if you can keep it under control without medication.

 

[superman27e]

So there is a possibility that i can join while taking it
??

 

[Ryokeen]

I don't believe so...
You have to be self dependant for one year.
Then you can take your Physical and with a waiver, probably pass and get in.

The thing is, they want to be sure you can handle yourself without causing harm to our guys or innocent others, and even yourself.

If you get off the medication, and work hard at staying calm and contained, which I believe you can do, you should be fine. Just get that waiver.

They MAY call family or one of your listed friends to see if you threatened to kill yourself or something like that, but other than that, you should be good.

 

[superman27e]

k, ive never tried to kill myself so they can call haha.

 

[Ryokeen]

Yeah, you should be good
Good luck, work hard and maybe I'll see you sailing by soemtime! Haha.

 

[MrSnow]

I don't know about that specific medication. If you have trouble contacting your local recruiter, let me know and I'll try to find that answer for you.

 

[ICor1311]

Good Evening. I was asked by another user to shed some light on this subject. I've been Active Duty Army for 13 years and have been a detailed recruiter for the Army for the past 3 years.

Prescribed medications for anxiety, ADD, ADHD, OCD, and all the other D's, can be waived to get into any branch of service. However, this can (and will) limit the amount of jobs that will be available to you.

Prescribed medication such as Zoloft must be stopped for 1 year. You must also have documentation from your doctor stating that he/she has stopped the prescription. This letter must be a professional letter with the doctor's letter head. The date of stoppage must be annotated on the letter. You must also have a follow up with the doctor to prove there have been no further signs and symptoms of your anxiety attacks.

You will also need to provide the medical documentation to your recruiter stating the reasons why you were prescribed the medication.

You may or may not require a waiver to join. However, there's alway a possibility that you may not be able to join. The only way to find out is by going through the enlistment process. Keep this in mind. If you are permenantly disqualified (PDQ) for the Navy, you will be PDQ'd for the Marines, the Air Force, and probably the Army. Each branch of service processes through the same MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). We all go through the same doctors at MEPS. However, there is always a slight chance you may be able to get qualified through the Army if you've been PDQ'd with the Navy. But a slight chance.

Good luck.

Army Recruiter