Safe Tapering Practices for Anti-Depressants with Dr. Mark Horowitz

In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Mark Horowitz, a leading clinician and researcher in anti-depressant withdrawal and de-prescribing, delves into the complex world of de-prescribing anti-depressants. Dr. Horowitz shares his personal journey with antidepressant withdrawal, which led him to dedicate his career to understanding safe tapering practices. He discusses the challenges that patients face when coming off medications, the withdrawal effects often mistaken for relapses, and how the current psychiatric guidelines may fall short in helping people safely taper. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes the importance of individualized tapering plans and the need for slower, more gradual reductions in medication, challenging the traditional approach of quick tapers over a few weeks. *Key Topics Covered* • The difference between withdrawal symptoms and relapse • The effects of long-term antidepressant use • Dr. Horowitz’s personal experience with tapering off Lexapro • The role of clinicians and peer support in the de-prescribing process *Experts Featured* Dr. Mark Horowitz X: @markhoro https://markhorowitz.org/ Resources: Safe tapering resources: https://www.outro.com/ _The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs (The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines Series)_ https://www.amazon.com/Maudsley-Guidelines-prescribing-Prescribing/dp/111982298X Metabolic Mind’s Families & Peers page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers Clinician Directory: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#AlternativeTreatment#PsychiatricMedication#KetogenicTherapy #Tapering#Deprescribing