Hey
@svintegrity: I took Xanax (alprazolam). It is good for panic, as it works quickly. It does have a short half-life, though, so people with ongoing anxiety issues usually need something like clonazepam (Klonopin) that stays in your body at a steadier level. The other problem with Xanax is it now has become a recreational drug, so a lot of docs are wary about prescribing it (as, to be honest, they should be anyway).
My psychiatrist gave me parameters, which were very helpful. He told me: You need to take at least this amount to get any benefit. But you should not take above this amount without consulting me. So that allowed me to take the lowest dose possible but get relief on bad days.
My levels, in the beginning, were: no less than .25 mg, no more than .5mg, three times a day and once before bedtime. So that was a total of no less than 1 mg, no more than 2 mg, in a 24-hour period. I never, even once, took the maximum. So in total, I started at about .75mg to 1.25 mg in 24 hours for about 12 months. Then started slowly cutting back. I ended all daytime doses, except as needed for emergencies (which are rare), at about 15 months. I now have ended all night-time doses as well. So I am completely off alprazolam at 18 months after I started. I no longer have a prescription for this medication, although I have a few pills for my very few emergencies. I haven't used one in more than a month.
As you probably know, benzo doses aren't equivalent. So .5 mg of alprazolam and clonazepam are about equal to to 1o mg of diazepam (Valium) or 1 mg lorazepam (Ativan). Roughly. Equivalences are somewhat debated. Also, everyone's tolerance is different, which is why it is very important these medications be prescribed and monitored by a mental health professional. My very workable .1 mg of alprazolam daily might knock someone else on their butt -- or might not even make a dent in someone else's symptoms. Also, a benzo that works for me might not be effective for you.
Also want to add: I coupled my medication use, as I worked on coping with my tinnitus in the beginning, with cognitive behavioral therapy, using guided meditations on tape, breathing exercises, etc. My goal from the beginning was to get to the point where I didn't need drugs. That meant I needed coping tools other than just telling myself to calm down,which didn't work. I recommend everyone develop these skills, whether it be through therapy, exercise, Mindfulness, etc. Whatever works for you that doesn't come out of a pill bottle.
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it will do you more good than anything at the moment ... and don`t be shocked if there will be a flood of emotions doing this, because you are breaking through the walls of your mind that is holding you together, but sometimes it`s good to let go ... and just keep going 
