Prescribed Adderall for ADHD

[Franky12345]

I spoke to a police officer today. I asked him, if I'm prescribed adderall for ADHD then can I still take that and get hired as a police officer. I can function without it just certain tasks are more difficult, like sitting threw class. I'm a senior in college now and I have been clean of taking it for over 6 months. Before I start taking it again what is your guys opinion on this? Am I safe to keep taking it?

[CCCSD]

You do what your Dr tells you is safe to do.

[Iowa #1603]

You do what your Dr tells you is safe to do.

MANY, MANY , MANY police officers suffer from ADHD, ADD or whatever the flavor of the year diagnosis is today. MOST have their condition treated by competition physicians and have no problems functioning.

If your doctor wants you on medication -------------take it.

[Franky12345]

So then it should not affect me getting hired? The officer also agreed with you guys and said that it doesn't matter because I'm prescribed it

[L-1]

There are two issues to be addressed:

First, in most states every law enforcement candidate is evaluated to determine if they are free from any emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a police officer, and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position. This includes evaluating the extent and degree of any ADHD that may exist.

Whether you can be hired will depend on your mental state at the time of processing, as determined through a series of written and in person psychological evaluation as administered by a licensed psychologist.

The second involves medication related impairments associated with whatever you are taking, not as defined by you, but as has been established by the medical community. For further information on this read http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/AppendixA.pdf While it gives antihistamines and pain killers as an example, the information pertains to all meds.

[PhilipCal]

Read, and re-read each reply you've received. Each one is 100% correct.

[L-1]

As a side note, police officers are empowered to deprive others of their property, their freedom and if necessary, their life. These are serious responsibilities that are not to be taken lightly.

Would you entrust these responsibilities to someone who is operating under the influence of adderall, an amphetamine, whose known medical side effects include nervousness, restlessness, excitability, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremor, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and palpitations of the heart?

Additionally, the physical and emotional stress alone from police work increases an officer's risk for stroke and heart attack. Many officers take disability retirements based on heart issues. Taking a medication that increases blood pressure and heart rate exacerbates that risk, making one who takes it an unlikely candidate for employment as it increases their risk for a disability retirement..

[lpstopper]

Short awnser: Cops are humans too and deal with the same psych issues as any other joe. I know Several cops who take various meds due to whatever disorder and are perfectly good cops, life happens to everyone.

[allen_gamble]

Would you entrust these responsibilities to someone who is operating under the influence of adderall, an amphetamine, whose known medical side effects include nervousness, restlessness, excitability, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremor, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and palpitations of the heart?

Assuming they can make it through an academy and field training program.. Yes. The side effects you list are probably similar to the side effects of nasal decongestants, tylenol, and diarrhea medicine. People with certain disabilities can still do this job. I had an academy classmate who wore a hearing aid. I also know officers who are diabetic or missing fingers.

[Vista]

So then it should not affect me getting hired? The officer also agreed with you guys and said that it doesn't matter because I'm prescribed it

That's a hard question too answer. An ADD or ADHD Diagnosis IN IT SELF can not be held against you- it would be a violation of the americans with disabilities act.

however, if they can articulate a valid reason why your unsuitable for the job- (poor grades, prior work performance etc) then it can be an issue.

Other concern i would see is that they may be concerned with someone who is taking amphetamines having a firearm.

[Shush]

I can function without it just certain tasks are more difficult, like sitting threw class. I'm a senior in college now and I have been clean of taking it for over 6 months. it?

I think the part I placed in bold will be more of a concern than the adderall. LOL

[CCCSD]

That whole sentence should have been bolded. Pretty bad for a college Senior. Guess that Adderall isn't working so hot.