In reply to @aarniek and @hopeful123. Whether a benzo is needed or not depends on the severity of the illness. In certain very severe cases, a benzo, in addition to antidepressants, may be required for an indefinite period of time, perhaps for several decades, or even the rest of one's life. In such cases, it may simply not be possible to taper the benzo to zero. If that is attempted, as appears to have happened in the case of @aarniek, the result may be extreme, unbearable misery, as described by him. So one has to make a choice: live a miserable life without a benzo, or take a benzo--at the lowest necessary dose--and lead a normal, bearable, life. There are many people who have opted--wisely, in my view--for the latter. Quality of life is a very important consideration, and if that requires taking a benzo, so be it. Of course, the best option would be to stop the benzo altogether, but as explained above, that may not be possible in all cases. The case of @aarniek appears to be one such case. His anxiety appears to be very severe. In addition to a benzo and an antidepressant, his doctor could consider prescribing a low dose of Pregabalin, say 150 mg at bedtime. My doctor prescribed it to me about 10 months ago, and after taking it there was a significant improvement in my sleep. My anxiety was reduced, and my tinnitus was gone, after I had suffered from it for more than 5 years. I hope this is of some help to @aarniek and others suffering from severe anxiety. Reducing benzos to zero just for the sake of reduction, without considering its impact on the quality of life of the patient, is neither here nor there. It only inflicts more suffering and pain on him/her. This has been my own experience. I hope others will find it of some help. Thanks.