"i&#039;m speaking from nearly 10 years suffering from severe generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. on a 1-10 scale, i&#039;d say my anxiety is at a 12 on most days. my first panic attack brought me to the er where i was introduced to the world of psychiatric meds, specifically, ativan. what i will say to all of those who consider taking any benzodiazepines for their anxiety or panic attacks is that there is no benzo i would rather choose than ativan. it provides not only relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but generally quells anxiety prone symptoms such as nausea, irritability etc., most effectively. i have never experienced much of a withdrawal effect, if at all, and the smaller half-life means less accumulation in your system."