I am so glad you had a doctor who sat down with you and listened! That is great!
I have taken Buspar before, and I really didn't have any side effects, it supplemented the Zoloft I was on at the time..
I understand your feelings on SSRIs etc. I am nervous to try them again (pdoc and therapist think I should). I know it would take the edge off of the anxiety/depression that I have, even though I have had experience with them with little side effects (after a few trials and errors, of course.)
My experience with Ativan was not as good. I had hallucinations. But yes you are right, everyone has different reactions! Please let me know what you decide. I am on the fence about it myself.
Again, congratulations on finding a doctor who listens!!! It helps a lot.