🩺 Main Uses
Anxiety; agitation; status epilepticus (IV).
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
15 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:
No CYP metabolism; cleared by glucuronidation.
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Minimal CYP interactions.
⚠️ Warnings
- Potent intermediate benzo, often used for acute anxiety.
- High risk of dependence even with short courses.
- Withdrawal can be brutal, with high seizure risk.
- Shorter half-life than diazepam → interdose withdrawal possible.
- Cognitive dulling and sedation are common.
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
Gradual taper over weeks–months to avoid seizures.
Possible withdrawal
Rebound anxiety, tremor, agitation, 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: dependence, tolerance, ↑ mortality with opioids.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.