I take a only as needed.....and usually only at night if it's been a super bad day and I need to reduce anxiety....... .25 mg....low dose (1/2) but it helps me sleep through the night and if family intimidation begins, it helps keep me from wigging out and getting no sleep.....which can then lead to other issues....(not eating, forgetting meds, etc.). I will take one at night before a performance and that stops the dissociation.....but I won't take it regularly, and I try to take magnesium citrate nightly for sleep first. I take hydroxyzine for sleep but that can knock me out. taken .....with magnesium....but only if needed. I'm low risk for abuse of drugs......I really hate being high.....so out of control....so abuse isn't an issue.....don't take them both (Atavan and hydroxyzine in the same 24 hr period).