Prescription Drug Usage

[HM1990]

Hi-
I am considering joining the Marines as an Officer Candidate in the future. However, I have had a prescription for Ritalin in the past. Will I be able to get a waiver for this or will this keep me from joining?

Thanks

[GySgtRet]

AND FILL IN YOUR PROFILE

[HM1990]

Is the profile better now? I'm still wondering if someone could please answer my question.

[ZSKI]

Yes you will have a problem, when did you stop taking it.

[Phantom Blooper]

Follow the advice and do a search on this site.........:evilgrin:

[GySgtRet]

Normally this is not a problem depending on when it was since you last took the ritalin. Your age has a lot to do with it that was not provided. SO I can only help with some basic information. You need to gather your information as to when you started using ritalin, you will need the doctors name, any afidavid that can be provided will also be helpful. It will be your responsibility to have this information to provide to the recruiter. The more comprehensive information you have the better. This will not be easy to do sine you will be going through a waiver process. BUMED is the ruling authority for the Navy and the Marine Corps. I know this is basic information but with the minimum information you provide this is the best I can do.

[HM1990]

Thanks for the prompt responses. Sorry about the missing information, but I am a high school senior (17 years of age) and I received the prescription at the beginning of this summer. I would be able to stop taking the drug right away if it would cause any problems with my possible candidacy. However, I would be trying to join after I graduate from college in four years, so I'll probably be 22 at that point. I hope that clarifies it a little.

Thanks

[GySgtRet]

In 4 years that will be better but you will still be on the same road for a waiver no matter what amount of time goes by. The longer the better, but it still remains. The has been mention of a search this topic has come up several times. Please take a look and see what you find.

Good luck

[HM1990]

Thank you, sirs

[HM1990]

Would the fact that I'll have a college degree help? I've always been a good student, I'm not a fat body...would the officer selection officer take those factors into consideration if I applied for a waiver?...I know questions similar to mine have been asked before, but it seems like the circumstances are different.

Thanks

[DOC WEB]

I'm not gonna lie I almost blew my top when I looked at your screen name and then you posted that you were 17. I thought your screen name was
HM ( standing for hospitalman ) ; i thought you were trying to say you were a corpsman. until I looked at your profile and found out they were just your initials.

Ha Ha, that would have been funny.

[HM1990]

Nahh I wouldn't be that disrespectful haha...sry to push the issue, but do you happen to know how hard it'd be to get a waiver?

[DOC WEB]

i would guess all that paper work would be taken care of when you were actually getting into the service. if your going to college for four years then i wouldnt even worry about it now....but thats just me.

call a recruiter in your area and git the low down.

[Phantom Blooper]

Whether you go to Marine Corps OCS or boot camp there will be a questionnaire asking about past medical history. It doesn't make any difference whether you went to or you are in college...medical history is medical history.

You will need to tell the recruiter or the officer selection officer the truth about ALL medication use. If you don't need the medication now or anymore a waiver should be possible.

Since you have time before you do anything I would start to procure any and all paperwork stating why and for how long and the opine of not being needed so it would be one less hassle down the road.

Honesty is the best policy. Tell ALL so it doesn't bite you in the azz come graduation day or the pinning ceremony.:evilgrin:

[HM1990]

Thanks for the responses. I definitely planned on being up front about it.

[GySgtRet]

I covered this very topic the first day the young man posted. I guess the I worded it didn't mean the same thing? I know one thing for sure we are consistant in our information. Oh well let him waste his time I guess. My answer wasn't good enough. I can only advise he can use it or not.