SSRI use for a "previous diagnosis"

[fd25]

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Hi all,

I am a current M2 HPSP student. When I went through MEPS I needed a waiver because anxiety showed up when they pulled my medical record. I had briefly been prescribed zoloft in the past for some mild anxiety but didn't really end up using it enough to feel it did anything for me. My PCP was able to write a letter saying I'm fine and my waiver went through.

I am due for my first PHA soon, but I am also considering giving Zoloft a real try. Again I do not feel like my anxiety is debilitating, I just think taking something might help me slow my brain down a bit. If I end up taking this medication, would this cause a problem at my PHA? I understand they want to get their investment back from physicians, but I am worried this will be labeled as a "pre-existing condition" and that they could discharge me and revoke my scholarship. I very much want to remain in the Army.

Side note, I had a random shoulder injury back in the fall that I had fixed with surgery and am 100% fine now without any limitations and have been cleared back to normal activities by my doctor. Does this need to be disclosed/would it cause me any issues? I want to be fully transparent and not have problems in the future. I also do not want to be discharged.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice!

 

[afteranesthesia]

Hi all,

I am a current M2 HPSP student. When I went through MEPS I needed a waiver because anxiety showed up when they pulled my medical record. I had briefly been prescribed zoloft in the past for some mild anxiety but didn't really end up using it enough to feel it did anything for me. My PCP was able to write a letter saying I'm fine and my waiver went through.

I am due for my first PHA soon, but I am also considering giving Zoloft a real try. Again I do not feel like my anxiety is debilitating, I just think taking something might help me slow my brain down a bit. If I end up taking this medication, would this cause a problem at my PHA? I understand they want to get their investment back from physicians, but I am worried this will be labeled as a "pre-existing condition" and that they could discharge me and revoke my scholarship. I very much want to remain in the Army.

Side note, I had a random shoulder injury back in the fall that I had fixed with surgery and am 100% fine now without any limitations and have been cleared back to normal activities by my doctor. Does this need to be disclosed/would it cause me any issues? I want to be fully transparent and not have problems in the future. I also do not want to be discharged.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice!

These posts make me so upset. Take whatever you need to be healthy. $&%** the military. You HAVE to take care of yourself, because at the end of the day, you are a number and not even a human to the military, but you are the only daughter, son, sister, brother - whatever to whoever loves you. And you should love yourself enough to take care of yourself. Take the meds.

 

[DOswag]

Hi all,

I am a current M2 HPSP student. When I went through MEPS I needed a waiver because anxiety showed up when they pulled my medical record. I had briefly been prescribed zoloft in the past for some mild anxiety but didn't really end up using it enough to feel it did anything for me. My PCP was able to write a letter saying I'm fine and my waiver went through.

I am due for my first PHA soon, but I am also considering giving Zoloft a real try. Again I do not feel like my anxiety is debilitating, I just think taking something might help me slow my brain down a bit. If I end up taking this medication, would this cause a problem at my PHA? I understand they want to get their investment back from physicians, but I am worried this will be labeled as a "pre-existing condition" and that they could discharge me and revoke my scholarship. I very much want to remain in the Army.

Side note, I had a random shoulder injury back in the fall that I had fixed with surgery and am 100% fine now without any limitations and have been cleared back to normal activities by my doctor. Does this need to be disclosed/would it cause me any issues? I want to be fully transparent and not have problems in the future. I also do not want to be discharged.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice!

Agree with @afteranesthesia, make sure you're taking care of your health, especially while in med school. The likelihood that they would revoke your scholarship is extremely low. I started taking celexa and med for blood pressure while in med school and it didn't have any effect on my scholarship though this was over 10 years ago now. You pretty much have to move a mountain to be kicked out/removed from the military as a physician.

 

[fd25]

Agree with @afteranesthesia, make sure you're taking care of your health, especially while in med school. The likelihood that they would revoke your scholarship is extremely low. I started taking celexa and med for blood pressure while in med school and it didn't have any effect on my scholarship though this was over 10 years ago now. You pretty much have to move a mountain to be kicked out/removed from the military as a physician.

Thank you both for your replies. I definitely want to prioritize my health I just would really hate if that resulted in negative consequences. I appreciate the feedback!