You know, I had a very similar issue with a doctor suggesting it was a bad idea to take it. I posted about it a while ago. He called it "alcohol in a pill", which made me feel like an alcoholic. Other doctors I have had said nothing about it at all. My current pdoc didn't even blink when I asked for it.

I was originally taking ativan while waiting for my prozac to start working. It helped A LOT. then once it did start to work, I found I didn't really need it any more. Right now my antidepressants (this time, Lexapro) are starting to work and I haven't taken any ativan in days.

I hope that helps but if you want more details let me know

thea