GP discontinued long-term PRN Ativan worsening symptoms and questions about next steps

I’m looking for general medical perspective on a situation involving my anxiety treatment. For several years, I was prescribed: • Ativan (lorazepam) 1 mg PRN • Quantity: 30 tablets • Refill interval: every 60 days My actual use: • Never exceeded 1 mg in a single day • Often used less • Taken strictly as prescribed • Never shared/diverted The medication significantly improved my functioning. Prior to treatment, my agoraphobia was severe (difficulty leaving home). With PRN lorazepam, I was able to attend appointments and travel. Recently, my GP abruptly discontinued the prescription. There was: • No tapering plan • No transition strategy • No detailed explanation beyond safety/policy concerns Since discontinuation, my symptoms have significantly worsened: • Panic attacks occurring daily • Marked functional decline • Difficulty leaving the house • Unable to attend university • Unable to maintain work, gym, or social activities • Cancelling all obligations outside the home After an intense panic attack and feeling distressed, I presented to the ER at CAMH (Toronto) . I was informed they do not prescribe benzodiazepines and was strongly encouraged to start SSRIs. Relevant history: • Previous SSRI trials without meaningful benefit • No misuse/escalation of benzodiazepines • No history of substance use disorder My questions: 1️⃣ Is abrupt discontinuation of long-term low-dose PRN lorazepam consistent with current best practices? 2️⃣ How do clinicians typically evaluate risk vs benefit in cases of: • Stable, low-dose PRN use • No dose escalation • Documented functional improvement 3️⃣ Are there recognized alternatives when: • SSRIs have been ineffective or poorly tolerated • Benzodiazepines previously improved functioning 4️⃣ Would tapering normally be considered even with intermittent use at ≤1 mg/day? I understand the concerns surrounding benzodiazepines and dependence. I’m mainly trying to better understand the clinical reasoning and typical evidence-based approaches in situations like this. The past month has been deeply distressing and has shaken my confidence in the medical system. I’m posting here in an effort to understand the clinical rationale behind my treatment changes and to educate myself. Thank you for any insight.