With benzodiazepines, there is a potential for the development of tolerance and dependence as well as the possibility of abuse and withdrawal reactions. For these reasons, the medications are generally prescribed for brief periods of time days or weeks and sometimes intermittently, for stressful situations or anxiety attacks. For the same reason, ongoing or continuous treatment with benzodiazepines is not recommended for most people. Some patients may, however, need long-term treatment.
Benzodiazepine information from the National Library of Medicine
Benzodiazepine Equivalence Charts
Bob Hsuing has provided simple charts to help compare doses of these medications.
- Ativan information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (lorazepam)
- Dalmane information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (flurazepam)
- Halcion information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (triazolam)
- Klonopin information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (clonazepam, Rivotril)
- Librium information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (chlordiazepoxide)
- Restoril information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (temazepam)
- Serax information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (oxazepam)
- Tranxene information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (clorazepate)
- Valium information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (diazepam)
- Xanax information from the Panic/Anxiety Guide (alprazolam)
Text adapted from NIH Publication No. 95-3929 with revisions and additions.
