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Benzodiazepine and z-drug withdrawal - Management
How do I switch from a benzodiazepine or a z-drug to diazepam?
- Information on the approximate dose equivalents of diazepam for a number of benzodiazepines and z-drugs can be found in Additional information.
- Be aware that this information should only be used as a guide.
- Exact dose substitution is not possible, due to:
- Differences in potency between different benzodiazepines and z-drugs.
- Wide variation in the half-life and response to these drugs (such as the degree of sedation) between different individuals (for example, the elderly and people with hepatic impairment).
- Consequently, a complete dose substitution may not always be required, depending on the individual response (to avoid excessive sedation).
- Switching to diazepam is best carried out gradually, usually in a stepwise fashion.
- Consider making the first switch in the night-time dose to avoid daytime sedation.
- For examples of switching for the three most common hypnotics and an anxiolytic (lorazepam), see Additional information.
- Dose withdrawal may be started when conversion to diazepam is complete.
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