"i have been taking this medicine since 2001! so, over 15+ years.  for two years i took 2mg then 1mg at bed and another 0.5mg if i wake in middle of night, as without it it can take me 4 hours to fall or fall back to sleep.  i have severe insomnia and only take at night time.  never during day.  i have never built up a tolerance to this.  when i go without,... even for 5 months once, zero withdrawals!  zero side effect.  however i go back to bad sleep, which i had before.  never been dependent, as you can tell i can go without....for months.   i just have not found a medication that puts my mind at ease and &quot;gently&quot; relaxes me so i can surrender to sleep.  doctor now is feeling pressure from industry to reduce my dosage. zero harm to me. :("