What u describe sounds like "break through anxiety" - the effect of your benzo has worn off, and its not time for another dose. I had most of those symptoms while on Xanax. They are a short acting benzo's (as is Ativan), with a half life of 4 hours - you get max results at 2 hours, and the next 2 hours u are losing their effect. Once I got off the Xanax (HIGH DOSE) and went on Klonopin I have been panic free. I get no break thru panic and anxiety. Klonopin HAS to build up in your system. It has a long half life - from 24-50 hours (wide range due to different people and the cause of the PAD). I take 1/2 mg in the AM, and 1 1/2 mgs ( I MAY HAVE POSTED INCORRECTLY IN ANOTHER THREAD ABOUT MY DOSEAGE- I TAKE 2 MG A DAY, I MIGHT HAVE SAID 3 - SORRY ! ) at night (I really could take it all at once and it would probably do exactly the same, but since I started it this way, I have continued it). MANY days, I forget to take the morning pill - never have anxiety or panic, because of the long half life. Then I just skip that pill (meaning I do not take it at night along with regular dose at night).

I think talking to your PDoc is a good idea here ! Perhaps you should be on a longer acting benzo to prevent break through symptoms. My reference for information is in a great book : "Panic Disorder"What You Don't Know May Kill You" by Dr. William D. Kernodle. Good luck ! Hope you are soon feeling better !