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Benzodiazepine conversion calculator

Benzodiazepine conversion calculator
Convert from
Total daily dose of that drug
mg
Convert to
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Switching benzodiazepines or planning a taper (e.g. to a long-acting agent).

Formula

Target dose = source dose × (target equivalent / source equivalent), where equivalents (mg ≈ 10 mg diazepam) are alprazolam 0.5, chlordiazepoxide 25, clonazepam 0.5, lorazepam 1, oxazepam 20, temazepam 20.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Cross-tolerance is incomplete; start conservatively and adjust to response.
  • Equivalents vary between sources — use as a guide, not an exact ratio.

References

  1. Ashton CH. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (The Ashton Manual). Newcastle University; 2002.