Benzodiazepine Conversion Calculator
Convert between different benzodiazepine medications with equivalent dosing
Calculate Benzodiazepine Conversion
Medical Professional Required
Benzodiazepine conversion must be supervised by a healthcare provider. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Never adjust medication without medical supervision due to risk of withdrawal, seizures, and other serious complications.
Enter total daily dose in milligrams
Conversion Results
Enter a dose to calculate the equivalent conversion
Important Safety Information
- • Benzodiazepine conversions require medical supervision
- • Start with lower doses and titrate based on clinical response
- • Consider patient factors: age, kidney/liver function, other medications
- • Monitor for withdrawal symptoms during transitions
- • Different onset/duration may require dose timing adjustments
Example Conversion
Xanax to Ativan Conversion
Patient: Taking 0.25 mg Alprazolam (Xanax) three times daily
Total daily dose: 0.75 mg
Conversion calculation:
• Alprazolam factor: ×1
• Lorazepam factor: ×2
• Equivalent dose: 0.75 mg ÷ 1 × 2 = 1.5 mg Lorazepam
Result: 0.5 mg Lorazepam three times daily
Duration Categories
2-7 hours action
Midazolam, Oxazepam, Triazolam
4-10 hours action
Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Temazepam
11-20+ hours action
Clonazepam, Diazepam, Flurazepam
Clinical Applications
Anxiety Disorders
GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety
Insomnia
Short-term sleep aid
Seizure Control
Status epilepticus, seizure disorders
Muscle Relaxation
Muscle spasms, tension
Understanding Benzodiazepine Conversions
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are medications that enhance the effect of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. They're used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Different benzodiazepines have varying potencies, onset times, and durations of action.
Why Convert Between Benzodiazepines?
- •Different onset and duration needs
- •Formulation availability (oral, IV, etc.)
- •Cost and insurance considerations
- •Side effect profiles and tolerability
Conversion Principles
All conversions are relative to Alprazolam (Xanax)
Formula: (Current Dose ÷ Current Factor) × Target Factor
Example: 20mg Temazepam = (20 ÷ 30) × 1 = 0.67mg Alprazolam
Critical Warning: These are approximate conversions. Clinical response, patient factors, and withdrawal risk must guide all dose adjustments. Always involve medical supervision for benzodiazepine changes.