Is taking antidepressants really disqualifying for service?

Question

I really want to be in the AF but I take anti-depressants for depression. I don't have symptoms or anything. Will they disqualify me?

i should probably have mentioned i'm going into a administrative field. i won't be going to combat at all. my dad is retired af so i get to chose my field.

Answer 1

yes. you must be off themeds for 12 months(with doctor approval0 AND function normally during that time.

The reason you don't have any symptoms is because you are taking the drugs.

Oh, and if you have been under long term psychiatric care( more than six months) or if you are diagnosed as being Bipolar, you are Permantly disqualified with zero chance of a waiver.

The military is probably one of themost stressful jobs out there. It would be not in your best interest to allow you to serve.

Answer 2

Knowing the effects from any prescribed drugs or medication can do to one's body physically, never mind mentally, I don't think I would like to be standing next to you in a crisis - no offence intended - just a reality check.

SOMETIMES medication can make a person worse than the original illness.

So, for ME, I don't want to be anywhere near a person with a weapon, or in charge of a weapon who has to take, or is on ANY medication.

Simple as.

As to whether it will preclude you from being in the AF.. phew.. what a question to ask TODAY.. when they need all the cannon fodder they can get to augment the Military.

Sorry to be so brutal, but that's a fact. You join up today and within WEEKS you can bet your bottom $ you'll be in some conflict zone if not the theatre wel before you have the chance to gain experience from months of Exercises, and NATO/US exercises so you know WHO your allies are, and HOW they fight as a TEAM...

Think very carefully, but there is nothing stopping you from ASKING atthe recruitment office.. but take advice BEFORE you sign on ANY dotted line - please.

If you are depressed TODAY.. that illness WILL get a LOT worse were you to join the Military today. I question your stress levels to cope with it all.

If in doubt of what you will probably be letting yourself in for I came across a great site recently - straight from the horses mouth.. you'd be as well to check it out - every page.

Click on the yellow underlined links, then NEXT at the bottom of each page... if after watching and reading it all, your stress levels are even and relaxed.. I take my hat off to you - SERIOUSLY !

http://www.geocities.com/bfpoonline/Pullupasandbag.html

I understand the U.S. pilots involved in deaths of British troops were on prescribed drugs... and look what happened..

Drugs and weapons NEVER mix !

Answer 3

Drugs detected in the body from anti-depressants validly used can be cited properly in your application in the AF.

Answer 4

If not then they should be. Not sure how safe it is being on missions with any individual that have Psych issues and that take medications to help crave emotional urges.

Answer 5

No. As long as you pass a physical you are fine... also as long as you don't have a mental disorder like being bipolar.

Answer 6

certain medications can be preapproved by the military. when you go to see the recruiter, tell them what your taking and why. be honest and they can check to see if you still qualify.