Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Off Antidepressants 💊 | Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, MD
Apr 11, 2025
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist and co-founder of TaperClinic, discusses the often-overlooked complications of antidepressants. He challenges the belief that chemical imbalances are the main cause of depression, emphasizing that medication may not be the answer. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of high-potency cannabis use among youth, risks of prescribing antidepressants without thorough evaluation, and important strategies for safely tapering off these medications. Witt-Doerring advocates for holistic treatment approaches that focus on the root causes of mental health struggles.
01:14:43
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques the 'quick-fix' mentality surrounding antidepressants, emphasizing the need for thorough patient assessments by prescribers.
- Long-term use of antidepressants can cause serious risks, including post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, which may impact emotional health well beyond medication cessation.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Psychiatric Medication
The podcast highlights the significant issues surrounding psychiatric medication prescribing, particularly with antidepressants. It is noted that many primary care physicians lack the time and expertise needed to appropriately prescribe these powerful medications, often resulting in inadequate patient assessments. The speed at which prescriptions are issued can lead to a ‘quick-fix’ mentality and thus may harm patients by masking underlying issues without addressing them. Moreover, this reliance on medication can perpetuate an endless cycle of dependence, making it crucial for prescribers to engage more comprehensively with their patients.
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