Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Off Antidepressants 💊 | Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, MD

Apr 11, 2025
Guest
Josef Witt-Doerring
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.
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INSIGHT

SSRIs Don't Cure Depression

  • The belief that SSRIs cure depression is a marketing myth.
  • Research shows no chemical imbalance exists, so SSRIs only disrupt neurotransmitters without fixing an underlying problem.
ANECDOTE

Alex Clark's Lexapro Experience

  • Alex Clark was prescribed Lexapro after briefly mentioning stress to her doctor.
  • She experienced suicidal thoughts during a brief withdrawal period, highlighting the addictive nature of SSRIs.
ADVICE

Safe SSRI Tapering

  • Taper off SSRIs slowly, reducing the dose by 5-10% per month.
  • Switch to a liquid formulation for more precise dose adjustments at lower doses to minimize withdrawal.
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