I tapered off ativan using valium. It was hard to say the least, and depressing. I still have some depression and anxiety, but i feel clear minded. I've been studying biology, microbiology and chemistry as I want to go back to school at the age of 25 for biochemistry. I'd like to work for a pharmaceutical company, which isn't too hard if you have a bachelors in biochemistry. Even with anxiety and depression, reading a biology textbook, everything clicks and makes sense now without the ativan. I have a horrible problem with social anxiety and I live in Wisconsin so I am going to start the fall off doing University of Wisconsin online and then transfer in. I'm hoping when the benzo stuff levels out and the prozac kicks in, social anxiety will be better. Please wish me the best of luck. I haven't been back to school since age 20.