Waiver For Anti-Depressive

[techraider77, ADN, BSN]

Perioperative nurse here. I've been on Lexapro for 8 years for anxiety and slight depression. I just haven't tried tapering it off yet. What are the chances of receiving a waiver for this? Thanks

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I believe you need to be off medication for a full year for them to even begin to consider a waiver. With your age, that timeline might present a problem because the application and selection period can also take a year. Have you contacted a recruiter? They can give you the best advice about the current recruiting climate. Good luck!

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

As I've said to many people who want to join the military with active mental health issues:

Have you considered that active war zones, with their loud noises, extremely long hours (60+ per week), and generally high stress atmosphere (each operating room running two cases at time) aren't the best place for you to be? Further, war zones tend to lack the support systems that one might use to deal with stress, such as your family and friends. People with anxiety and depression are much more susceptible to the stress inherent in war and that is why the military is reluctant to accept them.