In my experience, many of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants can quietly wreck your sleep. In this video, I break down how SSRIs and SNRIs like Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, and Cymbalta can double rates of insomnia, disrupt REM and deep sleep, and reduce total sleep time. I walk you through the actual sleep study data showing longer time to fall asleep, lighter sleep, less restorative deep sleep, and significant reductions in REM. I also explain why this matters long term, including the risk of persistent fatigue and brain fog, and when lifestyle changes or alternative medications may be worth considering.

With 1 in 6 Americans on antidepressants, there’s a real chance you’ll date someone taking an SSRI. But is that a red flag… or a green flag? In this video, I break down what actually matters. Not the label. Not the prescription. The mindset.

About 15 years ago, researchers did something that would never be allowed in humans. They gave Prozac (fluoxetine) to baby monkeys and followed them for years. Not because the monkeys were sick. Not because it was experimental medicine. But because scientists were worried about what SSRIs might do to the developing brain. In this video, Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, board-certified psychiatrist and former FDA medical officer, breaks down what those studies actually found.

Hormonal birth control is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. Millions of girls and young women take it for acne, painful periods, or contraception. Yet very few are warned that these drugs can affect mood, anxiety, libido, and overall mental health. In this video, I explain what I’ve seen repeatedly in my clinical work and what the research actually shows.

In this video, I walk through three common classes of psychiatric drugs that are frequently prescribed to children and adolescents and explain why parents are rarely told the full story about how these medications affect the developing brain.

Most people believe antidepressants help prevent depression from coming back. As a board-certified psychiatrist and former FDA medical officer, I believed that too, until I reviewed the long-term data. In this video, I break down what the studies actually show. This isn’t opinion. It’s the evidence, explained clearly, without hype, and without dumbing it down.

Why changing your diet may be up to four times more effective than antidepressants for depression.

Americans are taking more psychiatric medications than ever, yet depression, disability, and suicide keep rising. In this video, I walk through the data behind today’s prescribing trends, explain why these drugs often stop working over time, and how tolerance and drug stacking make many people worse.

What SSRI withdrawal can actually look like - something far more severe than most patients are told to expect. After years on Zoloft and a rapid taper, this young woman is now dealing with debilitating symptoms: brain zaps, dizziness, emotional instability, and missing work.

The worst psychiatric drug side effects I’ve seen ranked — from the merely survivable to what I call “hell.” This is the dark side of psychiatry most people never hear about.

One of the most corrupt trials ever published in modern medicine: Study 329—the study used to promote Paxil for depressed children and adolescents.

Three steps to taper off antidepressants safely and with fewer withdrawal symptoms.

How antidepressants really work—beyond the chemical-imbalance story we were all sold. SSRIs don’t correct a defect in the brain; they create a drug effect that can numb or blunt emotions, and while that can help in a crisis, long-term use brings problems like tolerance, emotional flatness, and drug-induced worsening that often gets misdiagnosed as “treatment-resistant depression.”

Ranking the most common things my patients try to improve their mental health—from antidepressants, exercise, sleep, and diet to religion, marriage, kids, money, volunteering, cannabis use, big-city living, plastic surgery, and even fame.

In this episode of American Thought Leaders - The Epoch Times, we dive into the realities of antidepressant drug use. How do these drugs affect people long-term? Are they really safe for pregnant women? And what kinds of potential side effects do they have? And we dig into perhaps the most taboo subject of all: Is there a link between antidepressants and mass shootings?

Most people are told that antidepressants fix a “chemical imbalance” in the brain—but that simply isn’t true. In this video, I explain what these drugs actually do, how they change the brain over time, and why coming off them too quickly can cause devastating withdrawal symptoms.

Psychiatrist Dr Josef Witt-Doerring takes us behind the closed doors of the FDA and pharmaceutical industry. From his early ideals of helping people heal through understanding and support, to the disillusionment he felt watching a medication-first model dominate the field, Josepf reveals what most patients (and parents) are never told before starting psychiatric drugs.

In this episode of the 'Real Talk with Zuby' podcast, host Zuby is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring to discuss the modern mental health crisis.

The Tudor Dixon Podcast (Part 2 of 2). Dr. Josef Witt-Duerring, he pulls back the curtain on the overlooked risks of cannabis, from psychosis to long-term mental health struggles. He shares powerful personal accounts alongside scientific research on cannabis and SSRIs, addressing side effects like sexual dysfunction and the growing debate around gender dysphoria. The discussion also takes aim at the pharmaceutical industry’s role in shaping mental health treatment, underscoring the urgent need for transparency, compassion, and truly informed care.

The Tudor Dixon Podcast (Part 1 of 2). Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring pulls back the curtain on the hidden truths behind antidepressants—their rushed approval process, their impact on emotions and relationships, and the potential links to violence. He raises urgent questions about how these drugs are prescribed, especially for young people, and calls for greater accountability and understanding in the medical community.

After 10 years as a psychiatrist, I’ve realized there are 10 key lessons I wish I had known from the very beginning. These insights could have made me a far better doctor—and they might help you understand why our current mental health system is failing so many people.

If People Only Knew with Anna Matson. If People Only Knew that a pill won’t save their life. In this episode, Dr. Josef goes over the known side effects of SSRIs and how the chemical imbalance theory has been debunked for YEARS.

In this video I talk about what really happens if you stop an antidepressant cold turkey. At first it can feel easy, but once the drug leaves your system the withdrawal often hits hard, with symptoms that are commonly mistaken for relapse. For some people things improve after a few months, while for others the process can drag on much longer. I also share the approach I recommend for tapering safely and reducing the risk of these complications.

In this compelling episode of The Kelsi Sheren Perspective, we delve into the intricate relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and mental health with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a leading expert in psychiatric drug side effects and withdrawal.

In this video, I explain the four biggest mistakes doctors make with antidepressants. They rarely take the time to understand the real causes of depression, many still believe the long-debunked chemical imbalance theory, most ignore their patients once they’ve started the drug, and few recognize the serious long-term risks that come with continued use.

If you’ve ever been handed a prescription after a seven-minute visit, you need to hear this. These drugs are not benign, and blind trust in rushed, undertrained prescribers can have life-altering consequences. Stay to the end as I share why informed, careful deprescribing is often the safest path forward.

Probably a fifth of the entire American population is on SSRIs. Psychiatrist Josef Witt-Doerring explains why that’s terrifying and dangerous.

Probably a fifth of the entire American population is on SSRIs. Psychiatrist Josef Witt-Doerring explains why that’s terrifying and dangerous.

What’s better for depression—: antidepressants or psychedelics?

In this video, I walk you through the five biggest differences so you can see how they compare.

Antidepressants work by creating a daily drug effect, while psychedelics like psilocybin or MDMA are used in therapy to shift perspective and sometimes bring lasting change. I’ll cover effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and cost—including what a major trial found when psilocybin was compared to Lexapro.

Illinois just became the first state in the U.S. to roll out universal mental health screenings for students in grades 3–12. Supporters say it will help kids get the support they need. But in reality, it will fast-track thousands of children into a broken mental health system that too often defaults to psychiatric drugs.

In this video, I break down why these screenings are far riskier than they seem, and why parents should think twice before letting the state decide their child’s mental health needs.

Most people assume doctors have the training to prescribe psychiatric medications safely. The truth is, many are unintentionally creating a generation of chronically medicated- and often disabled- patients.

In this video, I walk you through the seven-step process that turns essentially normal people into lifelong psychiatric patients. From the moment you step into your doctor’s office with a real-life problem, to being labeled “treatment resistant” years later, I’ll show you exactly how this system traps people- and why so few ever make it out.

In this video, I explain what happens when a baby who has been exposed to SSRIs in the womb is suddenly cut off at birth, along with the symptoms which could occur.

Why you have far more control over your mental health than you think. Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring's bold and contrarian take on the true root causes of depression and anxiety.

Sperm counts have dropped over 50% since the 1970s- and SSRIs might be making it worse.
In this video, I break down the overlooked research showing how antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro may damage sperm quality, reduce testosterone, and even cause lasting testicular harm- especially when taken long term.

Most people think antidepressants are either life-saving or dangerous, but the truth is that both can be true. I’ve seen that almost everyone on long-term antidepressants passes through three distinct stages.

In this video, I explain why doctors at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford often have huge blind spots regarding the harms of the meds they prescribe. I reveal how academic medical centers became deeply entangled with pharmaceutical companies, how ghostwritten articles distort the medical literature, and how media organizations funded by pharma shape public perception.

This is about how prestige and careerism quietly corrupt the institutions we’re told to trust most. If you've ever wondered why your doctor seems unaware of medication withdrawal, or why harmful drugs keep getting pushed, this video will make things a lot clearer.

After helping over 500 patients taper off psychiatric meds, I’ve developed strong opinions about which drugs are worth it—and which ones do more harm than good. In this video, I rank the best and worst psychiatric medications based on their effects, side effects, and withdrawal risks.
From SSRIs and antipsychotics to stimulants and older drugs like tricyclics, I break down what I’ve seen work in real-world practice—and what I’d avoid for myself or a loved one.

One of the most dangerous effects of psychiatric medication isn't a side effect - it's how these drugs can change the way you see yourself.

After working with over 500 patients over the last five years, I've seen which medications are relatively easy to come off, and which ones can lead to severe, even long-lasting, withdrawal symptoms. In this video, I rank the most common psychiatric drugs from easiest to hardest to discontinue, based on real-world clinical experience.

In this gripping interview, former FDA medical officer and psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doering joins Moral Medicine to reveal how the regulatory system is failing the very people it's meant to protect. Drawing from his insider experience, Dr. Witt-Doering explains how pharmaceutical companies influence medical research, dominate academic psychiatry, and distort informed consent - leaving millions of patients vulnerable to life-altering harm.

Dr. Nichole Morris interviews psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring to uncover the real risks of long-term psychiatric medication use—especially for women in their reproductive years.

The Top 5 Scandals that have shattered public trust in psychiatrists and the institutions that back them. From the chemical imbalance myth to the cover-up of long-term drug harms, you'll learn what's really been happening behind closed doors - and why so many patients come out of the system worse than when they went in.

In this video you'll learn how antidepressants increase suicidal behavior in people, how they can trigger dangerous emotional states like akathisia and mania, and how withdrawal can lead to devastating outcomes.

Today, I'm diving into antidepressant TikTok. Let's see what's good and what's dangerous here.

Dr. Joseff Witt-Doerring is a psychiatrist and former pharmaceutical industry insider who now specializes in treating adverse reactions to psychiatric medications and helping patients safely taper off them through his practice, TaperClinic. In this episode of Psychobabble with Hannah Spier, MD, we dive into the three most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications: antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and ADHD medications.

I'm sharing the 10 most buried risks of these medications - risks that most doctors don't talk about, and that I wasn't taught either.

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RFK Jr. called for an investigation into the overprescribing of psychiatric meds and now the pharma-aligned media is panicking. In this video, I respond to a carousel by Impact that claims to 'debunk SSRI misinformation.'

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and co-founder of TaperClinic, is here to shatter the myths around psychiatric meds and withdrawal. With years of experience in drug safety and mental health, he's on a mission to help you safely taper off and take control of your mental health - without the brain zaps and emotional chaos.

Lucas Aoun interviews psychiatrist Josef Witt-Doerring, who shares his unique journey in the field of psychiatry. Josef discusses the shortcomings of traditional psychiatric practices, particularly the over-prescription of medications without addressing root causes.

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring is a board certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and director of the Taper Clinic. He treats patients suffering from post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), and protracted withdrawal - two conditions becoming more common, and in some cases permanent, in people who have stopped taking antidepressants.

Right now, 1 in 5 Americans is taking a psychiatric medication - but should they be? In this video, I break down what's really driving the overuse; pharmaceutical industry, biased research, and media manipulation have shaped public perception, making these drugs seem far safer and more effective than they actually are.

Zyprexa, marketed as a safer antipsychotic, earned Eli Lilly billions. However, it caused severe side effects like massive weight gain, diabetes, and lasting metabolic damage for many patients. Eli Lilly was aware of this harm yet concealed the truth while aggressively marketing the drug for unapproved uses. This isn't just one drug's story; it highlights a larger issue of pharmaceutical companies prioritizing profits over patient safety.

In this video, I break down the research on antidepressant withdrawal and reveal how long withdrawal can last. I cover the difference between normal and protracted withdrawal, and why some people suffer for years after stopping these medications.

Here I outline the things people should consider before they start their tapering journey.

In this episode of the Hart2Heart Podcast, Dr. Mike Hart sits down with Dr. Josef, a psychiatrist specializing in helping patients safely taper off psychiatric medications.

Thomas Kingston had it all - a successful career, a loving family, and a bright future. But after experiencing sleep issues due to stress, he was prescribed SSRI antidepressants. Within days, his life took a devastating turn.

RFK Jr. faced the Senate confirmation hearing and had a heated discussion with Senator Tina Smith about a possible link between SSRIs and school shootings. Are these medications as safe as we're told?

Dr. Bret Scher interviews Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in tapering and deprescribing psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef combines his expertise in pharmaceutical safety, clinical psychiatry, and metabolic therapies to help patients safely transition off long-term medications.

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring dives deep into the drug label for Effexor XR or venlafaxine XR. With a rich background from his roles at the FDA and in clinical research, Dr. Witt-Doerring highlights crucial information you need to know before starting this treatment.

Have you ever craved alcohol more after starting an antidepressant? You are not alone. Join Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist and drug safety expert to learn more about this phenomenon.

Levelheaded Mind Podcast interview with Jezel Rosa, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Ethan Short sits down with guest Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, to dive deep into the uncharted territories of the psychology field that often go undiscussed. (Part 2 of 2).

Dr. Ethan Short sits down with guest Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, to dive deep into the uncharted territories of the psychology field that often go undiscussed. (Part 1 of 2).

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Joanna Moncrieff. British critical psychiatrist.

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In this episode of the Radically Genuine Podcast, Dr. Roger McFillin sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring to discuss concerns about the overuse and misuse of psychiatric medications, particularly in primary care settings.

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In this episode of the You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast, we welcome Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist and former FDA medical officer who has dedicated his career to helping patients safely discontinue psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef and I discuss adverse reactions during and following psychiatric medication use. Dr. Josef believes that taking a more holistic approach to understanding the effects of psychiatric medication enables better therapeutic use of the drugs.

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