Benzodiazepine Equivalency Calculator
Use this tool to estimate approximate dose equivalence between common benzodiazepines.
Reference values are based on common equivalency tables and may differ across guidelines and individual response.
What Is a Benzo Calculator?
A benzo calculator is an equivalency tool that estimates how one benzodiazepine dose compares to another. Different benzodiazepines have different strengths, half-lives, and onset profiles, so a milligram-to-milligram swap is rarely accurate. This page helps you translate a dose into an approximate equivalent while emphasizing safety and clinical oversight.
Why Equivalency Matters
People often discuss conversion when switching medications, evaluating dependence risk, or planning a taper with a clinician. Equivalency can provide a shared baseline, but it does not predict your exact response. Two people can react very differently to the same nominal equivalent dose.
- Potency differs: 0.5 mg of one benzo can feel stronger than several milligrams of another.
- Duration differs: some medications are short-acting, others long-acting.
- Tolerance differs: prior exposure changes effect and withdrawal sensitivity.
- Metabolism differs: age, liver function, and other medications can alter blood levels.
Approximate Equivalency Reference (to Diazepam 10 mg)
The calculator uses common educational approximations:
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Clonazepam 0.5 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Lorazepam 1 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Temazepam 20 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Oxazepam 20 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Chlordiazepoxide 25 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Nitrazepam 5 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
- Diazepam 10 mg ≈ Diazepam 10 mg
How to Use This Calculator
1) Choose your current medication
Select the benzodiazepine you are currently taking.
2) Enter total daily dose
Enter the amount in milligrams per day. If your dose changes by day, use the average only for rough estimation.
3) Choose the target medication
Select the medication you want to compare against. The calculator will display both diazepam-equivalent dose and target-medication equivalent.
Important Limitations
No online calculator can account for individual physiology or co-occurring conditions. This estimate should never replace a personalized treatment plan. Abrupt dose changes can be dangerous.
- Never stop benzodiazepines suddenly without medical supervision.
- Avoid combining with alcohol, opioids, or sedatives unless explicitly managed by a prescriber.
- If severe withdrawal symptoms occur (confusion, tremor, seizure warning signs), seek urgent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an exact conversion?
No. It is a starting estimate only.
Can I use this to create my own taper?
You can use it to understand relative potency, but taper planning should be done with a qualified professional. Good taper plans are individualized and adjusted to symptoms over time.
Why is diazepam often used as a reference?
Diazepam has a long half-life and widely published equivalency benchmarks, making it a common comparison anchor in clinical literature.