Have you tried an SSRI?
Your problems in life is whether to choose Xanax or Valium? Man I wish I had your troubles... lol
You know that's really strange he want give you klnopin, but will give you Valium and Xanax which most people's favorites. IMO, klonopin sounds like it would work really well for you, don't even bother with Ativan, IMO. Klonopin is the same strenght mg for mg as xanax, and has a longer half life (18-50 hours I think...don't know why the numbers are such a gap, must be how people metabolize it.) BUT, I would go with xanax, I mean they both have drawbacks for you. But I get all the side effects of Valium you mentioned, I get deppressed on it after a few days, I feel really just blah zombie like too. I couldn't exercise on Valium though, Xanax I could, it kinda gives me energy, but valium is the complete opposite.
OP bear in mind 4mg's alpraz is equipotent to 80mg's diazepam...
They say Xanax is more addictive then Valium, I've taken both with no issue.
The thing is, I look at a dose of Xanax, like a shot of vodka. Quick relief, short duration, then it is done.
Valium, seems like drinking beers throughout the day. Long lasting, lingers to the next day.
Personally, I like the fact that I take the Xanax, it is eliminated soon after, I wipe my hands clean. Valium, I've never had an issue with it, but just knowing how long it lingers, I feel like that alone, lends to my belief it would aid to being more of a habit forming substance, but the opposite is usually expressed. Even if it is less addictive, I just don't like the idea of unneeded benzo lurking about in my system.
Valium would be my vote for long-term maintenance. The inter-dose withdrawal of Xanax only gets worse with time and defeats the purpose of the drug. Don't get me wrong. When it works, it works really, really well.
I've been taking benzos daily for almost 3 years or so so I'd prefer to have something in my system at all times...Xanax leaves my system and I'm in huge panic mode
Valium is a longer acting benzo -- xanax is one of the shortest acting. for GAD xanax is not usually prescribed -- it's best for panic attacks/"breakthrough" anxiety, if you will. It sounds like because your anxiety is somewhat constant, a longer acting would make you feel better in the long run. BTW - Ativan is useless -- don't bother with that. I'm prescribed the 1 mg Xanax as needed but only take it on occasion...I don't really have constant anxiety so it works for me.
If you have no other option, maybe have a look at the RC benzos.
Prozac made you hallucinate? Now that's one hell of a strange reaction...