What are the standard diazepam equivalents?

Diazepam 10 mg is taken as equivalent to clonazepam 0.5 mg, lorazepam 1 mg, alprazolam 0.5 mg, temazepam 10 mg, oxazepam 30 mg and chlordiazepoxide 25 mg. These are population averages from the Ashton chart, and individual response varies enough that any conversion should be titrated rather than applied rigidly.

Why does half-life decide which drug to taper with?

Long-acting agents such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide smooth out the between-dose trough and give a gentler withdrawal. Short-acting agents such as lorazepam and oxazepam are preferred when hepatic impairment or advanced age makes accumulation a concern, and when a patient needs rapid titration.

How fast should a taper run?

The Ashton approach substitutes a long-acting equivalent and then reduces by roughly 10% every two to four weeks, slowing further if withdrawal symptoms appear. Long-term high-dose users often need six months to two years. Rushing the final steps is the usual cause of relapse.

Diazepam Equivalents for Benzodiazepine Conversion

Convert between benzodiazepines on a diazepam-equivalent basis for tapering and cross-tolerance work. The table follows the Ashton equivalence chart and covers lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, temazepam, oxazepam and chlordiazepoxide.

Diazepam-equivalence table (Ashton Manual, 2002). Equivalence is approximate — convert cautiously and reduce the calculated dose.

Source Benzodiazepine

Source Dose (mg) — Diazepam

Target Benzodiazepine

0.50mg Alprazolam

10 mg Diazepam ≈ 0.50 mg Alprazolam (diazepam-equivalence).

Taper NoteFor a planned switch or taper, the Ashton approach converts gradually to a long-acting agent (usually diazepam) and reduces by roughly 5–10% of the current dose every 1–2 weeks. Available Alprazolam strengths: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg. Equivalence is approximate — use the calculated dose as a starting point and adjust to clinical response.

Benzodiazepine	≈ Diazepam 10 mg
Diazepam	10 mg
Chlordiazepoxide	25 mg
Alprazolam	0.5 mg
Lorazepam	1 mg
Clonazepam	0.5 mg
Oxazepam	20 mg
Temazepam	20 mg
Clobazam	20 mg

Clinical Guidance

Benzodiazepine equivalence tables express each drug as the dose roughly equivalent to diazepam 10 mg. They are used to switch between agents and to plan a gradual withdrawal. The commonly cited Ashton Manual values are: diazepam 10 mg ≈ chlordiazepoxide 25 mg ≈ alprazolam 0.5 mg ≈ lorazepam 1 mg ≈ clonazepam 0.5 mg ≈ oxazepam 20 mg ≈ temazepam 20 mg ≈ clobazam 20 mg.

Equivalence is approximate and varies with the reference, the individual, and the clinical context. Cross-tolerance is incomplete, so a direct milligram-for-milligram switch can cause withdrawal or over-sedation. When converting, particularly to a longer-acting agent, use a cautious starting dose and titrate to response.

This calculator is for education and reference only. Benzodiazepine conversion and tapering should be supervised by a clinician, and abrupt discontinuation should be avoided.

How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Convert between benzodiazepines on a diazepam-equivalent basis for tapering and cross-tolerance work. The table follows the Ashton equivalence chart and covers lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, temazepam, oxazepam and chlordiazepoxide. Use the benzo equivalence result to inform your calculation.

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