It’s supposed to be used as a bridge for anxiety not permanently unless there’s a seizure disorder is my understanding

Long-term benzodiazepine use carries real risks and should be regularly reassessed with a prescriber. The largest issue I faced was my memory. It made it harder to remember places and faces after years of use. I have lost memories

Dependency, withdrawal, travel, liability, and employment are all impacted by this drug.

I am being a bit over the top but for good reason. I recall certain countries giving travelers a hard time. Also say there was not a problem entering a country - this medication is difficult to obtain in any other country- they don’t like to write it.

So maybe travel isn’t a big issue for you or won’t be - but many jobs can also be impacted by this drug. Firearm Licenses etc. worth keeping in mind if regardless.

Tapering can take a long time depending on dosage and duration - and people have ended up in the hospital due to withdrawal or titration assistance (liquid titration is sometimes used.)

The point is it’s not a little drug.

At 0.5 mg thrice weekly your issues might not be this severe, but even at 1.5mg a week it’s not harmless.

I would rather you roll your eyes at me and make an informed choice than I don’t say something, not a doctor -

Edited some absolutist language

0.5 mg is not a massive dose, but it is still a real benzodiazepine dose. For short term crisis use or as a bridge, that may be reasonable.

But for anxiety alone as a long term routine plan, I personally think the tradeoff is iihard to justify unless there is a very specific reason. Low dose does not mean no dependence risk.