Hi njp, Firstly, off the cuff, stay with that doc. Unusual to hear of a doctor that is so very careful with prescriptions of benzodiazapines. I also hope that she/he also knows that protocol for stopping is safe for you. It is so hard to be anxious and/or depressed and then hurt by doctors with not appropriate knowledge of all the side effects of needed meds. I do not know where the blame goes... Docs are bombarded with pharmaceutical reps to buy new and better meds for patients. I think both the pharm companies and the professional physicians have the responsibility of learning the dangers... and including the patient in the education and decision of which med to take.
(Although when I am really wired, I am not sure I would be a good listener.) Hoping for good times ahead for you.