Side Effects with Dr. Josef
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them. Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring interviews patients, victims and experts to cover topics such as adverse reactions, post acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawals, PSSD, and drug tapering. His mission is to raise awareness about the side effects and injuries caused from psychiatric medications to improve informed consent. This podcast is brought to you Witt-Doerring Psychiatry, a private practice that specializes in 1) the treatment and management of adverse drug reactions 2) the management of most psychiatric conditions for patients who are seeking psychiatrists who try to manage their conditions with the lowest necessary medication use. Come visit us at: https://www.wittdoerringpsychiatry.com/ Or watch our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@witt-doerringpsychiatry Disclaimer: All of the information on this podcast is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/ personal medical advice from me to you. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions of the podcast guests are their own and should not be taken as medical advice.
Episodes
- I Asked 100 Spouses What Antidepressants Did to Their Marriage
In this episode, Dr. Josef shares insights from 100 spouses about the effects of antidepressants on their marriages. He discusses observations like emotional flatness and loss of interest, and what couples should know before starting or co…
- Your Doctor Is Making You Worse: Here's Why
Dr. Josef discusses how well-meaning doctors can make patients sicker, problems in psychiatric practice, and offers advice for patients who feel their treatment is worsening their condition. He notes many patients are on multiple medicatio…
- A Mother's Honest Story about Her 12-Year Old's Suicide
This episode features a mother's personal account of her 12-year-old daughter's death after being prescribed Prozac. She discusses her daughter's life before and after the medication, detailing noticed changes and reflections.
- 5 Things Doctors Avoid Telling You About Antidepressants
Dr. Josef shares 5 crucial pieces of information about antidepressants that patients often aren't told by their doctors. The episode covers insights gained from practical experience, aiming to equip patients with knowledge before starting…
- If I was Depressed in 2026, Here's What I'd Do (Psychiatrist Guide)
Psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring explains his personal, step-by-step approach to managing depression, emphasizing what he would try before resorting to medication, based on his clinical experience with patients who have experienced neg…
- Big Pharma Insider Speaks Out: "They did evil things"
Blair Hamrick, a former pharmaceutical sales executive, recounts his experience of witnessing and reporting illegal off-label drug promotion targeting children. After blowing the whistle, he faced significant personal and professional repe…
- ChatGPT Will Now Prescribe SSRIs
Dr. Josef expresses concern about ChatGPT recommending SSRIs, comparing it to distributing candy. The episode also offers resources for tapering psychiatric medications, including a free course and a newsletter.
- Trump to Help Millions Avoid Antidepressants
President Trump signed an executive order on health. This episode provides an analysis of the order's contents and its implications.
- What to do if you Love Someone on Psychiatric Medication
Dr. Josef, a psychiatrist, discusses the common pattern of psychiatric medications initially helping but later causing negative side effects, emotional blunting, and personality changes. The episode explains how to recognize these signs, a…
- 50 Ways to Avoid Psychiatric Medication
Dr. Josef outlines 50 rules for protecting mental health and avoiding psychiatric medications, emphasizing lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, exercise, and mindset. He also discusses the risks of certain substances and the importance of m…
- How to Manage Bipolar Disorder without Pills
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef explores managing bipolar disorder without relying solely on medication. It critiques the common practice of prescribing medication without follow-up and highlights the need to consider alternati…
- Ultimate Guide to Getting Off Antidepressants
This episode discusses the complexities of discontinuing antidepressant medication, addressing common withdrawal symptoms like dizziness and brain zaps as signs of nervous system recalibration. It outlines three primary reasons for failed…
- A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Better Sleep
This episode explains that chronic insomnia stems from daytime hyperarousal, not the bedroom environment. It discusses cultural pressures contributing to sleeplessness and offers five steps to help rewire the nervous system for rest, empha…
- Why Your Anxiety Isn't a Chemical Imbalance
Dr. Josef examines the "chemical imbalance" theory of anxiety, explaining that scientific research presents a different picture. He discusses the persistence of the serotonin myth and proposes that a better understanding of the nervous sys…
- The Diet Cure for Schizophrenia
This episode examines the potential impact of diet on schizophrenia symptoms, discussing research on gluten sensitivity, gut-brain connection, and nutritional deficiencies. It highlights how dietary changes may improve outcomes for some pa…
- Misdiagnosed Bipolar: Jennifer’s Real Story of Healing
Jennifer shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the negative health and life impacts of prescribed medications like lithium, and her eventual healing after realizing her conditions were related to ADHD and tr…
- Harvard Psychiatrist: I Stopped Prescribing Pills
Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Bernstein explains how metabolic therapies, including ketogenic nutrition, exercise, and mind-body work, can improve various aspects of mental and physical health, potentially allowing for a reduction in prescribed me…
- Is This The Cure for Protracted Withdrawal?
Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers explains MUSE stem cells, their differences from traditional mesenchymal stem cells, and their potential application for neurological injuries and protracted withdrawal. The discussion also covers safety, sourcing, and…
- Everything They Told You About Benzos Is Wrong
John and Dee Foster advocate for changes in benzodiazepine treatment, resulting in new ASAM guidelines that recognize physical dependence, protracted withdrawal, and the need for slow, patient-led tapers.
- I Was Prescribed Meth… by My Doctor
Cooper Davis recounts his 13-year journey on psychiatric medications, detailing the initial focus improvements, subsequent tolerance and side effects, and his eventual withdrawal and recovery process.
- Why So Many Covid Vaccine Injuries Look Like Mental Illness
This episode discusses the phenomenon where injuries resulting from COVID vaccines can manifest symptoms similar to mental illnesses. The discussion focuses on understanding these complex presentations.
- Psychiatric Meds Keep You Stuck- Here's How
Clinical psychologist Anders Sørensen explains how psychiatric medications can cause emotional blunting and hinder therapy. He shares insights from his book 'Crossing Zero' on safe withdrawal strategies.
- Accutane Ruined His Life at 15
This episode details the detrimental effects of Accutane on an individual's life, beginning at the age of 15.
- "I Lost My Son To Cannabis" - Aubree Adams
In this interview, Dr. Josef speaks with Aubree Adams about her son's severe reaction to high-potency THC products, including psychosis and addiction. Adams discusses the impact on her family, misdiagnosis, and criticizes the cannabis indu…
- This Psychiatrist Says Chemical Imbalance is a LIE - Joanna Moncrieff
Dr. Joanna Moncrieff critiques the chemical imbalance theory of depression, asserting a lack of evidence. The discussion covers pharmaceutical industry influence, the ethics of symptom masking with drugs, and advocates for a paradigm shift…
- Meet The Woman Psychiatrists See As a “Threat” - Laura Delano
Laura Delano recounts her decade as a 'professional psychiatric patient,' detailing how prescribed medications worsened her condition, leading her to question mainstream psychiatric narratives and become a founder of the Inner Compass Init…
- The Antidepressant That Nearly Destroyed Her Life
Neseret recounts her experience with antidepressants, subsequent misdiagnoses, and over a decade of psychiatric medications before finding her way to freedom and recovery.
- Functional Psychiatry Is Changing Everything - Dr. James Greenblatt
Dr. James Greenblatt discusses functional psychiatry, exploring how factors like nutrient deficiencies and gut health can influence mental health conditions such as depression and ADHD. The interview covers root-cause approaches and potent…
- From Paxil to a Fake Bipolar Diagnosis: Michael's Story
Michael Coughlin recounts his journey from taking Paxil for anxiety to being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and subsequently placed on antipsychotic medication, detailing the adverse effects of the initial prescription.
- Antidepressants Stole Her Life: Brooke Siem's Story
Brooke Siem shares her personal journey of being prescribed antidepressants as a teenager, the subsequent withdrawal process, and the challenges of rebuilding her life. Her story, featured in her memoir "May Cause Side Effects," covers the…
- Amino Acids: A Breakthrough Therapy?
Dr. Josef and Laurie Hammer discuss the potential of amino acid therapy for mental health, focusing on anxiety and depression. Laurie shares her personal experience and highlights the rapid effects and viability of amino acids as an altern…
- Benzodiazepines Destroyed My Life—And How I Fought Back
D E Foster shares his extensive journey through benzodiazepine withdrawal, detailing the profound effects on his life and relationships. He highlights the importance of support systems, community, and environmental factors in his healing p…
- How I cured my schizophrenia - Interview with Lauren Kennedy West
Lauren Kennedy West shares her journey with schizoaffective disorder, including non-drug management strategies like the ketogenic diet and the impact of medication reduction. The episode discusses mental health treatment complexities, soci…
- What's it like coming off antipsychotics after 22 years?
Trudy Slaght discusses her experience discontinuing antipsychotics after 22 years, overcoming side effects, and regaining her health. The podcast "Life on Less Meds" hosted by Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring aims to raise awareness about psychiatr…
- Nurse Struggles to Break Free from Antidepressants
This episode of Life on Less Meds features a nurse discussing her struggles with breaking free from antidepressants. The podcast focuses on raising awareness about psychiatric medication side effects and improving informed consent.
- Cymbalta Causes Lasting Sexual Dysfunction: A 14-Year Story
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef features a patient detailing a 14-year struggle with lasting sexual dysfunction attributed to Cymbalta. The podcast focuses on raising awareness about psychiatric medication side effects and impr…
- Abilify Causes Chemical Lobotomy - Part 2
This episode of Life on Less Meds, hosted by Josef Witt-Doerring, continues the discussion on psychiatric medication side effects, focusing on Abilify. The podcast aims to raise awareness about potential injuries from these drugs.
- I Was Polydrugged on Psych Meds as a Kid
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring hosts the Life on Less Meds podcast, which explores psychiatric medication side effects and withdrawal. The podcast aims to improve informed consent by raising awareness of potential injuries from these drugs.
- How Klonopin Wrecked My Mental Health in 8 Years
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef focuses on the long-term negative mental health impacts of Klonopin over eight years. The podcast "Life on Less Meds" aims to educate listeners about psychiatric medication side effects.
- Buspar-Induced Brain Injury: My 4-Year Battle
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef features a patient's four-year battle with Buspar-induced brain injury. The podcast focuses on drug side effects, adverse reactions, and improving informed consent regarding psychiatric medicatio…
- Why This Psychiatrist Stopped Prescribing After 20 Years
Host Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring discusses his decision to stop prescribing psychiatric medications after 20 years. The podcast Life on Less Meds aims to raise awareness about side effects and improve informed consent regarding psychiatric dru…
- What Happens When a Therapist Takes Lexapro?
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef discusses a therapist's experience taking Lexapro. The podcast Life on Less Meds aims to raise awareness about psychiatric medication side effects and improve informed consent through patient and…
- Morbid Obesity & Diabetes: Risperdal’s Impact on Youth
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring's podcast Side Effects focuses on drug side effects. This episode specifically examines the effects of Risperdal on young people, addressing concerns about morbid obesity and diabetes.
- PSSD Triggered by Lexapro Dose Change
This episode of Life on Less Meds focuses on PSSD, specifically how a change in Lexapro dosage can trigger it. Host Josef Witt-Doerring aims to raise awareness about psychiatric medication side effects.
- Successfully Tapered: Psychologist’s 25+ Years Medicated
This episode of Life on Less Meds features a psychologist discussing their 25+ years of experience with medication and successful tapering. The podcast focuses on psychiatric drug side effects and management strategies.
- Protracted Benzo Withdrawal: Warriors Unite Online
This episode discusses protracted benzo withdrawal and strategies for managing drug side effects. The host interviews patients and experts on topics like adverse reactions, post-acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, PSSD, and drug t…
- Coping with Akathisia: A Family’s Story
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef features a family's story about coping with akathisia. The podcast Life on Less Meds focuses on drug side effects, withdrawal, and tapering strategies, aiming to raise awareness and improve infor…
- Severe Akathisia Triggered from Two Lunesta Pills
This episode discusses severe akathisia triggered by two Lunesta pills. The Life on Less Meds podcast explores drug side effects and management strategies, featuring patient and expert interviews.
- Madi's Law: Mother Advocates for Family Inclusion in Consent after Losing Daughter
This episode discusses Madi's Law, a movement advocating for the inclusion of families in medical consent decisions, inspired by a personal loss. The podcast aims to raise awareness about side effects and improve informed consent.
- How Pharma Controls Psychiatrists
This episode of Side Effects with Dr. Josef discusses how pharmaceutical companies influence psychiatrists. The podcast generally focuses on drug side effects, withdrawal, and improving informed consent regarding psychiatric medications.