I started taking Ativan (lorazapam) for anxiety/panic resulting from an inner ear infection that left me dizzy. It literally gave me back my life. I took .5mg twice daily. This was equal to 10mg of Valium daily. The dizziness is gone (I think) so I have been tapering off the Ativan for 11 months. The withdrawal symptoms are the pits. I decided to go off of it because it was causing marked depression and brain fog. I also don't want to get into a position of "tolerance" where I would need to up my dose to get the same effects. This class of tranquilizers, benzodiazapines, are best if used for short periods of time, 2 weeks at best, or just on as as needed basis.