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Hi Donna,   If your current doctor is not familiar with Buspar, you might want to see a Psychiatrist.  Psychiatrists specialize in medication for the treatment of disorders such as anxiety and depression, whereas family doctors have to keep on top of so many things!   Please keep in mind that I am not a physician, but I am very familar with all the meds commonly prescribed for anxiety.  As with any medication for anxiety, some of my clients have loved Buspar  and others have hated it.  The "recommended" dose is 7.5 mg two times a day, but I've seen people on all kinds of different dosage levels...so that's another good reason to seek the help of a psychiatrist.  Also, please note that it will take awhile for you to notice a positive effect.   It is true that drugs such as Ativan have the potential for addiction, however, the only people that I've seen addicted to them during the course of my 18 years helping people with anxiety have been those who were already addicted to other substances, especially alcohol and cocaine.  Most of my clients without other addictions worried constantly about becoming addicted, but generally struggled to take a dose of their meds that actually helped them!   The other important point is that medication alone will not cure your anxiety. Please consider seeking therapy with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT).  You can find one in your area by searching on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America's (ADAA) website.   Regards,   Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D. The Stress Masters