Is It Relapse or Withdrawal? Understanding Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome From Psychiatric Medications

Medically reviewed by Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, MD — board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and founder of TaperClinic. If symptoms returned weeks or months after you came off a psychiatric medication, you were probably told it was your original condition coming back. Often, it isn’t. What many people experience is protracted withdrawal — the nervous […]
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and the Safest Way to Taper

Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and Why It Matters As the founder of TaperClinic, I regularly speak with individuals who want to reduce or stop benzodiazepines but feel overwhelmed by the fear of withdrawal. Medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are commonly prescribed for anxiety, sleep issues, and panic disorders. While they can be helpful in […]
Why Tapering Psychiatric Medications Too Quickly Can Make Withdrawal Worse

Understanding Why Tapering Psychiatric Medications Too Quickly Can Make Withdrawal Worse As the founder of TaperClinic, I often speak with people who are trying to reduce or stop psychiatric medications but find themselves feeling worse during the process. Many of these individuals were told to taper quickly or follow a standard schedule that didn’t account for […]
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: What to Expect and How to Manage It

As the founder of Witt-Doerring Psychiatry Consulting and Taper Clinic, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating benzodiazepine withdrawal can be for patients and how misunderstood it remains in much of modern psychiatry. Many people are prescribed medications like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin for anxiety, insomnia, or panic attacks without being fully informed about the risks of […]
What Is Cross-Titration, and Why It May Be Helpful in Tapering Benzodiazepines

For individuals tapering off benzodiazepines, one of the biggest challenges is managing withdrawal symptoms as the dosage decreases. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or lorazepam can lead to sharp peaks and valleys in blood concentration, creating cycles of relief followed by intense withdrawal discomfort. As the owner of Witt-Doerring Psychiatry Consulting and founder of TaperClinic, […]
Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: An Overview for St. George Residents

Are you or a loved one experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal? Understanding the symptoms, challenges, and available resources is crucial for managing this complex process. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can include a range of symptoms such as akathisia, brain zaps, and internal tremors, making it a difficult journey for many. At TaperClinic Consulting, we provide specialized support for St. […]