Benzodiazepine Equivalence Calculator

Converts various benzodiazepine doses into approximate diazepam equivalent doses. This is commonly used for tapering and cross-tapering to prevent withdrawal. The equivalence table is based on the widely referenced Ashton Manual (Professor C. Heather Ashton) and other clinical sources.

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Note: The 'Ashcroft method' requested by the user could not be identified in published literature; the widely used Ashton Manual is provided instead. If a local guideline named 'Ashcroft' exists, its values should supersede the tables above.

References

  1. The Ashton Manual: Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table. Professor C. Heather Ashton / University of Newcastle (2002). https://benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha01.htm
  2. Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table. Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines (2023). https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Maudsley+Prescribing+Guidelines+in+Psychiatry%2C+14th+Edition-p-9781119855138
  3. The Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table. FDA / Benzodiazepine Information (2011). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/017812s098lbl.pdf
Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  • Benzodiazepine equivalence is approximate; patient-specific factors (age, liver function, concurrent medications) can alter effective potency.
  • Cross-tapering should be done gradually (typically 10-25% dose reductions) over weeks to months to avoid withdrawal.
  • Ashton Manual values may differ from other sources (e.g., Maudsley). The calculator presents both for comparison.
  • Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone) are not true benzodiazepines but are included due to similar GABA-A receptor action and dependence risk.