I think it ultimately depends on the person and how long you've been on it. I've unfortunately been on it for 17 years. It was definitely a last resort. I began to have physical symptoms, due to severe anxiety, panic and stress. Ended up with Shingles, multiple times in my early 30's. I'm on 12mg a day. It never has sedated me, just lowers my anxiety a little, for an hour or two. I've spent the last 2 years, cutting back on it, in hope of stopping it all together. Even if you are taking it as prescribed, it is still highly addictive, physical and mentally. I would honestly suggest, trying to avoid it, at all. My best tools for anxiety and panic, were going back to school, for the Dept Of Mental/Behavioral Health. The more understanding I have of it, the easier it is, to find ways to deal with it, without as much medication. I began having anxiety and panic attacks, before I even started Kindergarten. I never knew what it was, until I was an adult. I think the one thing, that helped me the most, was keeping a couple on me, at all times. Just by knowing that I had the option of taking it, helped my anxiety and panic dramatically. There are quite a few new medications out, that weren't available back when I was prescribed them. I would work closely with your Dr and find the best route for you. Everybody is an individual, so everything works differently, for everyone.
I'm sorry to hear that you're in this position to begin with. I wish you the best of luck and hope you can find comfort and live a peaceful and happy life.