Gailb, Thank you for your suggestions. I am 58 and I live in Canada where unfortunately I have to abide by what is suggested by my GP. I had no idea what I was in for when he suggested the taper.I have researched this drug in every site I could find! No major side effects to any organs. It gives me much hope to read your story, with so much success. That is the only drug I am on, and two of my siblings suffer with panic disorders as well.(Both of them still medicated) I read that these disorders can be genetic. I was happy to comply with my GP the first taper, because I loved life, and could not see it being a problem for me.I am a care giver now, love my job, love people, life could not have been better! after 6 months I tapered down from 6mgs to 3.5mgs, then came the shock to my body! Right now I am on 4.5 and coping.I have contacted Mental Health, and asked to see a Clinician, who gave me an appt. for Nov.30th. If I still have the underlying issues of Agoraphobia, panic attacks, and anxiety, then add withdrawal, I will need to talk to someone who can provide me with some avenues to take! Thanks again, Happy Thanksgiving, With love, Lorraine