Two questions that are worrying me!

[hdo1978]

Hello, I have a few questions. First, I noticed in another thread about being on antidepressants. I was on Paxil for about 2 years, a little over a year ago I took myself off of them without consulting my doctor. I have not been back to the doctor who prescribed me the Paxil since I quit because I lost my insurance, so the doctor does not know anything. I have already filled out a medical form during a visit to my recruiter. I answered no to having taking any meds for depression. I also told my recruiter that I had no doctor, which is not a lie, I don't have one anymore and didn't have one when I filled out the form. Should I go back and tell my recruiter that I need to redo my form and tell him about the time I was on the med.? Second, for the past month and a half I have been on 30mg Fastin tablets (Phentermine) for appatite suppression. Will this med. show up on a my drug test? Is there a way if it does that I can get it waivered since I have a doctor's prescribtion for it?
Thanks for any feedback

[matthew.ritchie]

Do not lie, mislead, or withhold information from your Recruiter! Come clean now, because eventually this will all come out. Things may not turn out the way you want them to, but at least you won't be violating the law. Make it right NOW, while you still have the chance.

[ping9798]

Make sure you mention whatever medications you are on, and if asked about depression, be up front. The military has access to all medical files, so if it comes out later that you were on meds and never mentioned it, you could have problems. Your mental health is the most important thing....if you feel as though you should be back on your Paxil, don't hesitate just because you want to enlist. I was on Zoloft for depression and after consulting my doctor and having periodic check-up appointments, I've been off it since March. It's never a good idea to simply quit your medication, regardless of what you take it for. Just make sure you don't lie or withhold any information, however small it may be. It would be better to not be allowed to enlist than to have a dishonorable discharge, in my opinion.

[hdo1978]

Thanks for the advice. I talked to my recuriter and resolved it. I also talked to him about the Fastin I was on. He called MEPS and they said that even with a doctor's script they couldn't let it pass. So I guess I now need to know how long this will take to get out of my system. I was taking 30mg and was on it for a month and half. Anybody have any ideas. I drink cranberry juice and water.

[Rhughes]

This is the problem I was having. I am on a mold dose of prozac for anxiety and stress. ! guy told me not to say anything and just go on and enlist. The other called MEPS and they said "no" so I am out. I think it was ping who said your mental health is the most important thing. So is your integrity.

[ping9798]

If your goal is to get off a medication or an herbal type pill, the most important thing is: weaning and talking with your doctor.

The easiest way to wean yourself off is this:
(But don't take just my word for it...I was told by my doctor and you should have it reinforced by your doctor)
- Take your 30mg daily for two weeks.
- After two weeks, take 15mg daily, for two weeks.
- After those two weeks, take the 15mg every other day for two weeks.

This is how I was told by my doctor to get off the 30mg Zoloft I was on. If the meds you are trying to get off is for depression....keep in mind that if you are doing this and start feeling bad again, don't hesitate to get back on your regular dosage. If you can't enlist, you can't enlist. I know that enlisting is extremely important to me, but if I couldn't get off my meds safely, I would have reconsidered. You won't do yourself, your squad, or your country any good if you have major issues and end up being suicidal or homicidal. Also keep in mind that there's no rush....give it time and once you are completely clean of all meds, go from there. Don't rush it. Consider this a chance to do more research about the military and to make sure this is the best decision for you.

Please make sure you talk to a doctor. This is just what I personally did....there may be better solutions out there for you - this is just one of many.

Also, PM or email me if you'd like. I'd be more than happy to talk with you about this personally.

Good luck to you.


Lindsay
ping9798@hotmail.com