Dose-equivalence by class

Benzodiazepine equivalent-dose calculator

Benzodiazepine diazepam-equivalent (taper) dose

Currently taking
Switching to

— in the «Доступні ліки» state reimbursement register

For supervised tapering onlyThis diazepam-milligram-equivalent (DME) is a STARTING POINT for switching to a single long-acting agent for a gradual, supervised taper. It is NOT for acute anxiolytic or hypnotic substitution and NOT a one-time swap at the calculated dose. Tailor the tapering strategy to each patient and adjust based on patient response (ASAM 2025).

Diazepam-equivalent dose (taper starting point)

Diazepam
about10mg/day

Evidence: 3 of 5 stars: Reasonable method with moderate or indirect supporting evidence.

1 mg
Alprazolam
current
10 mg
Diazepam
= 5 anchor
10 mg
Diazepam
equivalent
Alprazolam 1 mg maps to about Diazepam 10 mg (≈ 10 mg diazepam-equivalent). A starting point for a gradual, supervised taper, not a one-time swap.
Why this estimate & cautions
Do not stop abruptlyDo not discontinue benzodiazepines abruptly in patients who are likely to be physically dependent and at risk of withdrawal (including seizures); reduce the dose gradually (ASAM 2025).
Diazepam accumulatesDiazepam is long-acting with active metabolites that accumulate, especially in older adults and in hepatic impairment, so the steady-state effect may exceed the calculated equivalent. Individualize the choice of long-acting agent and the taper accordingly (ASAM 2025).
Population-derived approximationThe DME values are population-level approximations derived from product-label recommended total daily doses (Borrelli 2022); inter-patient response varies, so treat the figure as approximate, not a precise per-patient equivalence.

Equivalence chart

Each drug expressed as the dose equivalent to Diazepam 5 mg, from a peer-reviewed diazepam-equivalent algorithm — the starting point of a gradual, supervised taper, not a one-time swap. Educational, not a prescription.

DrugEquivalent dose
Diazepam5 mg
Alprazolam0.5 mg
Chlordiazepoxide12.5 mg
Clobazam10 mg
Clonazepam0.5 mg
Clorazepate7.5 mg
Estazolam0.67 mg
Flurazepam15 mg
Lorazepam1 mg
Oxazepam15 mg
Temazepam10 mg
Triazolam0.25 mg

Benzodiazepine equivalent doses express each drug (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam) as a diazepam-milligram-equivalent from a peer-reviewed algorithm, intended only as the starting point of a gradual, supervised taper; educational, not a prescription or a one-time substitution.

Evidence

References2

Borrelli EP, Bratberg J, Hallowell BD, Greaney ML, Kogut SJ (2022) (opens in a new tab) Application of a diazepam milligram equivalency algorithm to assess benzodiazepine dose intensity in Rhode Island in 2018. J Manag Care Spec Pharm.

Brunner E, et al. (2025) (opens in a new tab) Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits. J Gen Intern Med.

Method review — pending

Data current as of July 2026.

Educational PK model: not clinical guidance. Confirm any dose change with a prescriber or pharmacist.