The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Benzodiazepine conversion calculator

Converts between oral benzodiazepines using approximate equivalents.

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.