Comparing Lorazepam vs Xanax

For Anxiety: My psych doctor switched me from 3 mg. diazepam/day to 0.5-1 mg lorazepam/day to help with near constant anxiety issues that peak in social situations due to a very severe lifelong hearing loss that has been corrected as much as possible with aids. I had been on the diazepam off and on for nearly 40 years for anxiety and Meniere's Disease and she had me switch because of lorazepam's shorter half life, important as I move into my late 60's. This med has helped me significantly with my social anxiety and with my anxiety in general. Although I realize I am on a pretty low dose (max of 1 mg daily..), I still try to take as little as needed to address my symptoms. Often, I am able to get by with as little as .5 to .75 total for the day. I believe this is important to do as I am also a recovering alcoholic with over 20 years sobriety. So, I'm pretty careful..

For Anxiety: Works great...no question about it, but I fear the day I go off it. That is the only reason I give it 8 instead of 10....because of the horror stories of withdrawal.

For Anxiety: I've taken xanax to help me sleep for several years. I try to take it as little as possible so I won't get addicted. It makes me tired, even at.25 so I don't take it during the day. Luckily, I don't suffer from panic attacks very often. I probably take it a few times a month just before bed. It works better than it antihistamines although I frequently wake up after 6 hours which is all it seems to last. I have heard about it leading to Alzheimer's though. I'm afraid of that.

For Anxiety: This medication has helped me live a normal life well more normal. I don't worry much about nothing and I can go into Walmart and feel comfortable. My social life is improving as well. There were times I couldn't get myself to interact with people sometimes I wouldn't even answer the phone. I've only been on this medicine for a little over a month it has truly been a lifesaver. I am sleeping like a baby I can't remember the last time I've struggled to calm down and go to sleep only to wake up several times a night using the bathroom or just couldn't relax. My quality of life is getting much better.