Side Effects with Dr. Josef

Side Effects with Dr. Josef

A podcast uncovering the hidden costs of psychiatric care. Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, former FDA medical officer and drug safety expert, explores the untold side effects of psychiatric medications, from overlooked withdrawal syndromes to the personal stories of those left behind by the system. Through expert interviews and raw patient conversations, we expose what’s missing from the mainstream, and what you need to know to make informed choices about your mental health.

Episodes

May 6, 2025 50 mins

Imagine this: you’re at rock bottom, balancing single parenthood with overwhelming mental health struggles. After seeking help, an antidepressant seems like the answer—until things spiral. What starts as relief transforms into a whirlwind of impulsive decisions, relocation to a remote Alaskan town, and a ‘bipolar disorder’ diagnosis that only brings more medications and more side effects. But what if those very medications were the...

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Functional psychiatry is changing everything you know about mental health. In this powerful interview, Dr. James Greenblatt—founder of Psychiatry Redefined and leading voice in functional psychiatry—reveals how nutrient deficiencies, overlooked infections, and gut health can be the real cause of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. We cover everything from lithium orotate and B12 to the ketogenic diet, psychedelics, a...

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Michael Coughlin was an entrepreneur with no history of bipolar disorder—until he took an antidepressant.

 

In this eye-opening interview, Michael shares how a doctor prescribed him Paxil for situational anxiety, triggering a terrifying spiral of adverse effects. Instead of recognizing the drug reaction, the mental health system labeled him bipolar and placed him on heavy antipsychotic medication.

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Brooke Siem shares her journey from being prescribed antidepressants as a teen to rediscovering life after withdrawal. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of coming off medications, the impact on her identity and relationships, and the challenges of rebuilding her life.

Brooke discusses misconceptions about depression, the grief of lost time, and the role of curiosity in healing. Her story, as detailed in her memoir "...

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February 13, 2025 28 mins

In this conversation, Dr. Josef and Laurie Hammer explore the transformative potential of amino acid therapy for mental health, particularly in treating anxiety and depression. Laurie shares her personal journey with amino acids, detailing how they helped her overcome her own struggles with mental health. The discussion covers the testing methods for neurotransmitter levels, the rapid effects of amino acids, treatment duration, cos...

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In this conversation, D E Foster shares his profound journey through protracted withdrawal from benzodiazepines, detailing the significant changes in his life, relationships, and career. He discusses the emotional and psychological impacts of withdrawal, the importance of support systems, and the gradual healing process he has experienced over the years. Foster emphasizes the need for community and understanding in navigating the c...

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In this conversation, Lauren Kennedy West shares her journey of living with schizoaffective disorder, detailing her experiences with mental health struggles, the impact of her diagnosis, and her relationship with medications. She discusses the importance of vulnerability in sharing her story and the evolution of her YouTube channel, which aims to connect and support others facing similar challenges. Lauren also explores her transit...

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Medicated for over two decades, Trudy Slaght faced life-changing side effects and lost dreams. Now, after five years off all psychiatric meds, she’s healthier than ever and ready to chase her dreams again. Discover how she did it and the powerful lessons from her journey. 

 

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 intervi...

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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 by psychiatric medications to improve informe...

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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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

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November 14, 2024 46 mins

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informe...

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November 7, 2024 51 mins

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informe...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informe...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informe...

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September 27, 2024 75 mins

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

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September 11, 2024 30 mins

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

Mark as Played

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 by psychiatric medications to improve informed ...

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