🩺 Main Uses
Anxiety; alcohol withdrawal; seizure disorders.
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
40 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
2 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Rapidly decarboxylated to desmethyldiazepam (long-acting).
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Long-acting metabolite extends effect.
⚠️ Warnings
- Converted in the body to nordiazepam (long-acting).
- Similar risks as diazepam but slower onset.
- Sedation, impaired concentration, and coordination common.
- Still carries dependence and withdrawal risk.
- Caution in liver disease (metabolised slowly).
Benzo detected — read this first
Benzodiazepines and Z‑drugs can cause severe dependence and withdrawal. Never stop abruptly.
Street Benzo Warning (UK)
High rates of contamination reported by WEDINOS. Fake Xanax is common.
For tapering, see the Ashton Manual and the TripSit Converter.
💊 Open Benzo Converter
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Switch to diazepam if tapering; reduce slowly.
Possible withdrawal
Anxiety, tremor, insomnia, seizures.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:31 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
All benzos: dependence, withdrawal seizures, ↑ mortality with opioids.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.