Good for you for starting the process!! My guess -- and I'm glad you have an experienced psychiatrist with you on this -- is that the anxiety at this point is due to the taper since that can be one of the effects of withdrawing. I'd continue with the taper and see how it goes. I've found it very helpful to go over various lists of the effects of tapering off -- that lets me know that lots of folks have experienced whatever side effects I'm having and they've kept on tapering to be able to finally be off this drug. If you and your doctor do decide you need medication for anxiety, there are plenty of others that don't have the horrible side effects of getting off them. My doctor has said he'll be glad to switch me to one that's much easier to discontinue if I still feel I need to take something. I've been tapering for a couple of months and have 2-3 weeks left before I'm off. I'm getting impatient and have been tempted to speed up the process, but I remind myself that my brain needs the time to adjust so I'm sticking with my schedule. Good luck to you and please use this board any time you need reassurance or a boost. It's been a lifesaver for me!!!