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My Benzo Story: Dependent in a Month, and the Taper That Finally Worked - Now finished up to part 9 and my successful taper and recovery
I never used a single recreational drug — then one careless prescription made me physically dependent on clonazepam in a month, and no doctor recognised the withdrawal that followed. This is the whole story, with receipts: the hospitals that sent me home, every taper method I tried, the "experts" who charged a fortune and got it wrong, and the woman who finally pointed me toward what worked. If you're in benzo withdrawal and can't imagine it ending — start here. It does end.
Guy Rotenberg
Jun 93 min read


Part 5 of my benzo tapering story is out - the story of Peter Smith
In Part 5 of my benzodiazepine withdrawal story, I hire Peter Smith — a self-described "functional doctor" from the UK who isn't actually a doctor — for a personalised supplement protocol to help me come off clonazepam. What I get is a six-hundred-dollar-a-month list from iHerb that includes lithium orotate and a 5-HTP recommendation that should never have been given to anyone on paroxetine; a "personalised" plan that turns out to be nearly identical to the one he wrote for s
Guy Rotenberg
May 271 min read


Can AI in May 2026 give you accurate tapering advice? Results are in...
I asked every major AI chatbot — free and paid versions of ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok and Claude — the same opening question from a fictional 53-year-old patient on Xanax and Sertraline with classic interdose withdrawal. Eight conversations, full transcripts, scoring across five categories, plus a baseline doctor comparison from the kind of 10-minute GP appointment Liz would actually get.
Guy Rotenberg
May 140 min read


comprehensive guide on understanding and managing psychiatric drug withdrawal is out!
Hello everyone! I’ve just published a massive, comprehensive guide on managing psychiatric drug withdrawal. Since you already know the reality of these medications, I wanted to build a resource that covers serious ground and goes far beyond the basics. This article breaks down the exact mechanisms behind SSRI, SNRI, Benzo, Z drugs, and Antipsychotic withdrawals, and tackles the hidden traps of off-label drugs like Mirtazapine, Trazodone, and beta-blockers. I also dive deep i
Guy Rotenberg
Apr 161 min read


My Story — Part 2: Gaslighting, 'Professionals', and Trying to Survive
I spent six days at my parents' house unable to sleep, hallucinating, with electricity running through my body — and nobody knew what to do with me. A senior psychiatrist in Israel told my mum I could "just stop" the clonazepam. She recommended a drug that turned out to not even exist in Australia. When my sister finally dragged me to Royal Brisbane Hospital, a young doctor diagnosed me with "hypnic jerks," printed me a Wikipedia-grade handout, and tried to send me home. I re
Guy Rotenberg
Apr 141 min read


My Story — Part 1: How I Became Physically Dependent on Benzodiazepines in a Month
Financial stress, a careless prescription from a doctor who was falling asleep during our consultation, and a mental health system that failed at every turn. This is part one of my personal story — how I went from someone who never touched recreational drugs to being physically dependent on clonazepam in about 30 days. I talk about my background, the SSRI years, the agomelatine switch that may have started it all, and the withdrawal symptoms that nobody warned me about: hallu
Guy Rotenberg
Apr 131 min read


Coming Soon - Guy's CrossTaper Planner!
Guy's CrossTaper Planner ⏳ Coming Soon! A dedicated desktop app for planning benzodiazepine and Z-drug cross-tapers — built on the Ashton Manual, step by step. Your data never leaves your device. If you've been following my channel, you know I spend a lot of time reviewing the clinical literature on psychiatric drug tapering — checking the maths, pulling apart the evidence, and trying to figure out what's actually useful for real people in real situations. What I don't talk
Guy Rotenberg
Mar 94 min read


The Wait is Over: Guy’s Tapering Tool (GTT) is Now Available for Mac!
If you’ve been waiting to get your taper plan organized on your Apple device, I have some great news: The Mac version of Guy’s Tapering Tool (GTT) is officially here! Since launching the Windows version, the response has been incredible. But I know how many of you rely on your MacBooks and iMacs for your daily organization, and I wanted to make sure you had the exact same access to a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use tapering companion. Why Use GTT? If you’re currently tapering
Guy Rotenberg
Mar 32 min read


Exciting New Features in GTT 1.1 Update Transforming Your Tapering Experience
Tapering medication or supplements can be a complex and delicate process. Managing dosage changes smoothly is essential to avoid discomfort or setbacks. The latest update to GTT, version 1.1, introduces practical features designed to make tapering easier and more flexible. These improvements give users better control over their tapering schedules and reduce the hassle of manual adjustments. This post explores the key enhancements in GTT 1.1 and how they improve your tapering
Guy Rotenberg
Feb 232 min read


Understanding the Journey of Tapering Off Psychiatric Medications
A Compassionate Approach to Medication Tapering Tapering off psychiatric medications can feel overwhelming. Many people experience anxiety about the process, and that’s completely normal. I want to share my insights and experiences to help you navigate this journey with confidence and support. The Importance of a Personalized Plan Creating a personalized tapering plan is essential. Each person’s experience with medication is unique. What works for one individual may not work
Guy Rotenberg
Feb 202 min read


New review for 'Crossing Zero', working on a new video about AI, Tapering app is coming!
I am thrilled to announce that I have just published a new review of Anders Sørensen's work, 'Crossing Zero: The art and science of coming off - and staying off - psychiatric drugs.' Please go to my Research & Reviews section to check it out! This ia very detailed and deep review that talks about the good and the bad - you know me - I don't hold back! the link is here : https://www.guythetaperman.com/news/crossing-zero-anders-sorensen-review Additionally, I am creating a new
Guy Rotenberg
Feb 71 min read


Tailored Tapering Support from Guy the Taperman
When it comes to reducing psychiatric medications, the journey can feel overwhelming. I understand how daunting it is to take those first steps toward tapering off antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or z drugs. That’s why I’m here to offer you tailored tapering support that meets you exactly where you are. Together, we can create a plan that respects your unique needs and pace, helping you regain control with confidence and care. Why Tailored Tapering Support Matters No two jo
Guy Rotenberg
Jan 153 min read
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