i dunno. benzodiazepines relieve anxiety and cause sedation at higher doses. long term use can cause problems. tapering after regular use can sometimes be difficult.

ativan is one of the higher potency ones. it takes a lower dose to relieve anxiety, so there's less sedation than with, say, an equivalent dose of Valium. Ativan also works quickly and wears off relatively quickly (though I think it lasts longer than xanax...).

I don't know, honestly. Taking one won't hurt you, as long as you're not drinking, driving, doing anything that requires intense concentration, etc. You might just fall asleep.

I hope you can get the help you need.