🩺 Main Uses
Anxiety; muscle spasm; alcohol withdrawal; seizures.
🧪 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:
Long half-life, active metabolites (desmethyldiazepam).
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Active metabolites extend duration.
⚠️ Warnings
- Long-acting benzo → useful for tapering but builds dependency fast.
- Sedation, muscle relaxation, memory impairment common.
- Risk of falls in elderly.
- Highly addictive with tolerance developing quickly.
- Withdrawal can cause seizures, panic attacks, and insomnia.
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
Slow taper essential (10% every 1–2 weeks).
Possible withdrawal
Rebound anxiety, insomnia, tremor, seizures if abrupt.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:28 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: risk of dependence, misuse, and ↑ mortality when combined with opioids.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.