I just want to echo what greenlydia said. Do EXACTLY what the doctor says. These are effective medications as long as you follow the rules. Also, be careful about taking advice as fact here on this forum. We are not doctors or pharmacists. For example, Ativan also has a short half-life and is NOT recommended for long term continued use like Klonopin.
Because you will get all sorts of advice, go back to your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
Hi Hazy...........I see you are still going back and forth and not getting any real relief. If your doc has told you to take the Ativan, take that and NOTHING else. If you feel it is not controling your anxiety, speak to him about increasing the dosage, but please do not decide, on your own, to supplement this with some Xanax. You apparently have not been on either medication long enough for any withdrawl symptoms to be a problem. It's far more likely your anxiety that is causing the feelings you talk about and you should talk to your doctor about those feelings.
Please don't switch back and forth anymore. Just do what your doc has recommended.
Peace
Greenlydia
Follow your psychiatrist's exact instructions. If they are changing you Ativan to Xanax then its best to see what happens but if you can't tolerate it or it doesn't work explain and you'll be changed back. You can't change it back and forth each day. Xanax is an unusual choice because it has a short half life (time it stays in the body) and a person can build up a tolerance to it. Ativan is used long term more often as well as Klonopin (which I take) and other benzodiazepenes because of the longer half life. Xanax is not generally meant for long term every day use but if your psychiatrist has a reason ask why.