Dear Dr. Rynne,I have been transitioning from taking Ativan 1mg three times a day but since being on it, it is failing to help me with anxiety. My doctor is out of town for another week but I would like to make a change to another prescription this week. My doctor mentioned Zanex for my anxiety but he did not tell me what the starting dose should be. What would be the starting dose for me while using Zanex? I can have my general practitioner call it in for me, but I need to know what the theraputic dose would be. I handle medications quite well, so I know it will not knock me out. I am 59 years old and have been on the Ativan for many years. I think that is why it is not working for me anymore. Your answer would very much be appreciated. I just need to know the dosage and strength of the Zanex. The only other drug I take for anxiety, which also does not seem to be working, is Buspar 15mg three time a day. I have been on that drug also for many years. So, if you could let me know about the strength of Zanex and the number of times I need to take it in a day, I would be most appreciative. My anxiety level are extremely high due to being raped and gotton pregnant by a therapist 10 years ago, along with a long road of being abused sexually by my grandfather, father, uncle and other members of the cult they worshiped in Quincy, Massachusetts from the time I was 5 yrs old until I was 14 yrs old. When I was 14 yrs old my family moved to Walpole, Massachusetts and the abuse stopped there. At the time my grandfather died along with my uncle. I really need to get my anxiety in check so I can leave the house to go out again. At this time, I am too anxious to even leave the house. The other question is, if I start taking the zanex, can I stop taking the Ativan right away or do I have to go off it slowly while on the Zanex? I tried to go off Ativan once before, because I really hate taking pills, but I went off cold turkey and the reaction I got was like being in hell. I hallucinated and shook violently until I could get a new Script at the pharmacy I go to. Will I have to go off the Ativan while taking the Zanex? Thank you very much Dr. Rynne for your valuable time and expertise. Sincerely, Pam Marinelli My e-mail: YYYY@YYYY I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks again! Have a great day!