#167 How To Safely Taper Off Antidepressants and Antipsychotics with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring

In this episode of Hart2Heart, Dr. Mike Hart sits down with Dr. Josef, a psychiatrist specializing in helping patients safely taper off psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef reveals the devastating truths about the dangers of antidepressants, including the little-known condition of protracted withdrawal, which can cause severe brain damage. Dr. Yosef also discusses the challenges of tapering off these medications and offers practical advice on how to do so safely. He highlights the importance of a slow, flexible taper and the benefits of a paleo diet and regular exercise.

Guest Bio and Links:

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring is a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialization in identifying and treating psychiatric adverse drug reactions. He is the founder of The Taper Clinic, which operates in 10 states across the U.S. Dr. Josef and shares his knowledge and experiences to raise awareness about the dangers of psychiatric medications.  

Learn more about Dr. Josef at his website, on IG @taperclinic, and on YouTube @taperclinic

Resources:

Surviving Antidepressants 

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart   

• (0:15) Dr. Hart introduces guest, Dr. Josef to the listeners

• (3:00) Honest critique of psychiatric practices

• (6:00) Reason Dr. Josef left the pharmaceutical industry

• (8:00) The reality of protracted withdrawal – a condition most doctors don’t recognize 

• (10:00) Which antidepressants are the hardest to quit?

• (16:30) The safe way to taper off antidepressants

• (21:00) The issue of sexual dysfunction & antidepressants

• (25:00) The dangers of antipsychotics - brain shrinkage and movement disorders

• (26:00) Antipsychotics can shrink your brain 10-15%

• (28:00) Long-term affects of psychiatric medications

• (32:30) Psychedelic-assisted therapy

• (37:30) A natural antidepressant that most people ignore 

• (38:00) Recommended diet while tapering 

• (40:15) Lithium Orotate (5mg) - safe, natural supplement that can help with anxiety

• (45:30) Most common withdrawal symptoms

• (48:45) Closing thoughts

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Dr. Mike Hart is a Cannabis Physician and Lifestyle Strategist. In April 2014, Dr. Hart became the first physician in London, Ontario to open a cannabis clinic. While Dr. Hart continues to treat patients at his clinic, his primary focus has shifted to correcting the medical cannabis educational gap that exists in the medical community. 

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