I was on Ativan for over 10 years, just 1 mg per night at bedtime although I had the option of taking it up to 3x/daily. Then a few months ago, my work stress levels got out of control and I wound up taking it 3-4 times a day with only minimal relief. One day I finally had a nervous breakdown and was put on Klonopin for the anxiety, and I've done very well on it. I've needed only the occasional 0.5 mg Ativan for breakthrough anxiety since then, and not at all since I left that job.

I don't abuse the drug at all, even though I have a distant history of alcoholism. I take 0.5 mg at night and that's it. I'll probably be on it for the rest of my life but that's OK, there's a reason I need it.