Episode 371
Josef Witt-Doerring, MD
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with psychiatrist and TaperClinic founder Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring about antidepressant withdrawal, psychiatric deprescribing, and psychedelic readiness. Josef explains what he learned reviewing drug safety at the FDA, why withdrawal can be mistaken for relapse, and how tapering often becomes more difficult at lower doses. They also explore the lifestyle foundations of mental health, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and why psychedelic clinics may need far more sophisticated support as increasingly medicated patients seek psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ketamine.
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, MD, is a psychiatrist renowned for his expertise in drug tapering and withdrawal management. With years of experience in clinical psychiatry, he has developed a particular interest and specialization in assisting patients with the safe and effective tapering of psychiatric medications. His approach is patient-centered, focusing on individualized plans that prioritize patient well-being and functioning. He is the founder and medical director of TaperClinic.
Podcast Highlights
- What antidepressant research leaves unanswered
- Why withdrawal can resemble relapse
- How lower doses change tapering
- Five foundations before optimization hacks
- Benzodiazepines in psychiatric deprescribing
- Psychedelics versus conventional drug models
- Insurance pressure on psychedelic clinics
- Preparing for heavily medicated patients
Show Links
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Join Paul F. Austin and Dr. Dave Rabin live on September 1st to map where your role begins and ends when a client on antidepressants asks for support: what you can hold, what belongs to the prescriber, and how the two of you keep the client safe.
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