My psychiatrist prescribed me lamictal (lamotrigine) as a mood stabilizer. It is only used for seizures or bipolar disorder, it being the later for me. I have not been officially diagnosed yet but we are on the fence on whether I have it or not due to family history and symptoms. I’ve tried countless meds in the past with no success. I’m pretty sure the medication itself is disqualifying so I was wondering has anyone ever dealt with this and should I expect a MEB soon? Thanks
Possible MEB??
- Thread starter garymaple
- Start date
@garymaple
Lamictal is usually not, by itself, disqualifying. Of course, disqualifying medications vary depending on MOS/rate/AFSC. The Army and Air Force tend to be more reasonable when having to find a member unfit for only medication issues. That said, the more concerning issue for any service will be the potential bipolar disorder diagnosis, as it is treated as per se disqualifying. Most services simply wait until a Service member has a firm diagnosis before acting on medication issues that are directly tied to bipolar disorder. Sadly, they sometimes jump the gun, but that is certainly the exception and not the rule.
I hope this helps.
S/f,
Joel
Disclosure: I was a Marine JAG, Active Duty and Reserve IPEB & FPEB attorney, federal government civilian FPEB & TDRL-focused attorney at the Navy PEB, and now a private attorney focused solely on IDES cases. This post is meant as procedural insight only and should not be construed as legal advice related to a specific case or a legal analysis of facts thereof.
Lamictal is usually not, by itself, disqualifying. Of course, disqualifying medications vary depending on MOS/rate/AFSC. The Army and Air Force tend to be more reasonable when having to find a member unfit for only medication issues. That said, the more concerning issue for any service will be the potential bipolar disorder diagnosis, as it is treated as per se disqualifying. Most services simply wait until a Service member has a firm diagnosis before acting on medication issues that are directly tied to bipolar disorder. Sadly, they sometimes jump the gun, but that is certainly the exception and not the rule.
I hope this helps.
S/f,
Joel
Disclosure: I was a Marine JAG, Active Duty and Reserve IPEB & FPEB attorney, federal government civilian FPEB & TDRL-focused attorney at the Navy PEB, and now a private attorney focused solely on IDES cases. This post is meant as procedural insight only and should not be construed as legal advice related to a specific case or a legal analysis of facts thereof.