Ativan and Xanax are not the best choice. Klonopin (clonazepam) is better because you don't get the interdosal anxiety that you can get with the other two. Klonopin has a much longer half-life. What that means is that one dose stays in your body longer, it builds up more slowly and exits the system more slowly preventing the abrupt "edges."

All are very addictive and can cause serious problems with getting off of them. They need to be titrated very slowly by a pdoc who knows benzos, or an addiction specialist who knows benzos.

Talk to your doc about Neurontin, will ya? See what he/she says... It's worked wonders for many for anxiety without the addictive potential or unwanted side effects.

Good luck and please keep us posted on how you're doing!
Take care,
Okie