Calculator
Estimate an oral dose equivalent between common benzodiazepines using diazepam as the reference standard.
What this benzodiazepine equivalency calculator does
This calculator estimates equivalent oral benzodiazepine doses by converting everything to a diazepam baseline first, then converting to the selected target medication. In practice, these conversions are used as a starting framework when clinicians review cross-tapers, simplify polypharmacy, or evaluate relative potency between agents.
Equivalency charts are useful, but they are not exact pharmacologic truths. The same numerical “equivalent” dose can feel stronger or weaker depending on age, metabolism, formulation, duration of use, liver function, and comorbid conditions. Always treat the result as a rough estimate.
Common approximate oral equivalencies
A common clinical reference point is diazepam 10 mg. The table below shows the approximate dose of each medication considered similar in effect to diazepam 10 mg.
| Medication | Approx dose ≈ Diazepam 10 mg |
|---|---|
| Diazepam | 10 mg |
| Alprazolam | 0.5 mg |
| Clonazepam | 0.5 mg |
| Lorazepam | 1 mg |
| Chlordiazepoxide | 25 mg |
| Oxazepam | 20 mg |
| Temazepam | 20 mg |
| Clorazepate | 15 mg |
Why equivalency is only an estimate
1) Potency does not equal identical effect
Two benzodiazepines can have comparable anxiolytic potency while still differing in sedation profile, onset speed, active metabolites, and how “smooth” they feel between doses. Equivalent potency does not guarantee equivalent tolerability.
2) Half-life changes day-to-day experience
Longer-acting agents (such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) may produce less pronounced interdose withdrawal for some patients. Shorter-acting agents may produce sharper peaks and troughs, especially with multiple daily dosing patterns.
3) Individual metabolism matters
Hepatic function, age, CYP interactions, and co-administered medications can shift drug exposure significantly. A mathematically “equivalent” switch can still require clinical adjustment.
How clinicians typically use conversion data
- To create an initial estimate before a supervised medication change.
- To compare total benzodiazepine burden across different medications.
- To support cautious taper planning with close follow-up.
- To communicate relative potency clearly among care teams.
Safety notes you should not skip
- Do not abruptly discontinue long-term benzodiazepines without medical supervision.
- Combining benzodiazepines with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives can increase overdose risk.
- Clinical context (seizure history, panic disorder, insomnia, PTSD, substance use risk) changes decision-making.
- If severe withdrawal symptoms occur, seek urgent medical care immediately.
Quick FAQ
Is this exact for every person?
No. It is a starting estimate only, not a patient-specific prescription recommendation.
Can I use this to taper myself?
Self-directed tapering can be risky. Use the output as educational information and discuss any dose change with your prescribing clinician.
Why can “equal” doses feel different?
Onset, half-life, active metabolites, and receptor adaptation can all influence subjective effect and withdrawal risk, even when dose equivalency appears matched on paper.