I ended up tapering off Ativan because I developed a tolerance, as well as a dependence. It also made me feel increasingly depressed. Started at 1mg and was up to 3mg a day before I decided enough was enough. I didn't want to end up one of those people on 10mg a day. It was a slow tapering, with doctor's approval. If you are considering it, I would bring it up to a doctor and discuss a safe tapering schedule.

I am on an anti-depressant as well, but on the Ativan it was barely working. Now it works just fine that I'm off the benzo. To replace what the Ativan gave me (decreased anxiety), I adapted other more natural coping techniques, such as deep breathing. It sounds really lame, I'm sure, but deep breathing does pretty much as good of a job as Ativan, and without any of those pesky side effects. I will never go on another benzo!