This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.
Why convert between benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines and the related Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone) differ in strength and duration of action. Converting a dose to its diazepam equivalent helps compare treatments, add up several drugs and plan a gradual withdrawal. Professor Heather Ashton, who ran a benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic in Newcastle, recommended switching to diazepam before tapering, because its long half-life smooths out blood levels.
Approximate equivalents to 10 mg of diazepam
The calculator uses the table of the Ashton Manual. Where the manual gives a range, it uses the middle of the range.
| Drug | Dose equivalent to 10 mg diazepam |
|---|---|
| Alprazolam | 0.5 mg |
| Bromazepam | 5 to 6 mg |
| Chlordiazepoxide | 25 mg |
| Clobazam | 20 mg |
| Clonazepam | 0.5 mg |
| Clorazepate | 15 mg |
| Estazolam | 1 to 2 mg |
| Lorazepam | 1 mg |
| Lormetazepam | 1 to 2 mg |
| Nitrazepam | 10 mg |
| Oxazepam | 20 mg |
| Prazepam | 10 to 20 mg |
| Temazepam | 20 mg |
| Triazolam | 0.5 mg |
| Zolpidem | 20 mg |
| Zopiclone | 15 mg |
How the calculation works
Equivalent dose = current dose ÷ equivalent of the current drug × equivalent of the new drug. For example, 1 mg of alprazolam a day equals about 20 mg of diazepam a day.
Important cautions
- Equivalence tables differ between sources and people respond differently. Treat results as a starting point for a discussion with a prescriber.
- Switching is usually done step by step, replacing one dose at a time over several weeks.
- The Ashton Manual suggests reducing by about 5 to 10% of the dose every 1 to 2 weeks, slower for people who have taken benzodiazepines for a long time.
- Never stop a benzodiazepine abruptly after regular use: withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, insomnia and, rarely, seizures.
- Combining benzodiazepines with opioids, alcohol or other sedatives can stop breathing. In an emergency, call 911. For free, confidential help with substance use in the US, the SAMHSA helpline is 1-800-662-4357.