Xanax, Ativan, Valium & Klonopin Equivalency: What Conversion Tables Mean

Quick answer: Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Klonopin are all benzodiazepines, but their milligram doses are not directly interchangeable. Published equivalency tables provide approximate comparisons, usually using diazepam as a reference. Potency, half-life, metabolism, indication and individual response differ enough that conversion tables should not be used as instructions for self-switching medications.

Last updated: September 26, 2026.

Important safety warning: Benzodiazepine dose equivalency is approximate, not mathematical certainty. Do not substitute one benzodiazepine for another, change doses, or abruptly stop a benzodiazepine based on an online conversion table. Abrupt dose reduction can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures.

Key Takeaways

• Benzodiazepine equivalency tables are estimates, not exact conversion formulas.
• Diazepam, or Valium, is commonly used as the reference drug when comparing benzodiazepine potency.
• One NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service table estimates that 5 mg diazepam is approximately equivalent to 0.25 mg alprazolam, 0.5 mg lorazepam or 0.25 mg clonazepam.
• Other professional guidance may use different approximate values. ASAM emphasizes that conversion between benzodiazepines is inherently inexact.
• Half-life matters. Xanax and Ativan are eliminated more quickly than Klonopin and Valium.
• Equivalent milligram potency does not mean identical onset, duration, withdrawal risk or clinical effect.
• Alprazolam can be particularly difficult to taper because it is relatively short acting and has no active metabolites.
• Patients who have developed physical dependence should generally not stop benzodiazepines abruptly.

Table of Contents

• Xanax, Ativan, Valium & Klonopin Equivalency Table
• Why Are Benzodiazepine Conversions Only Approximate?
• Why Do Conversion Tables Disagree?
• Half-Life Comparison
• Xanax vs. Valium Equivalency
• Ativan vs. Valium Equivalency
• Klonopin vs. Valium Equivalency
• Xanax vs. Ativan Equivalency
• Does an Equivalent Dose Produce the Same Effect?
• Why Clinicians Sometimes Switch to Diazepam
• Equivalency and Withdrawal Risk
• Why Counterfeit Xanax Cannot Be Converted Reliably
• Myth vs. Fact
• When to Seek Medical Help
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Clinical Resources
• References

Xanax, Ativan, Valium & Klonopin Equivalency Table

There is no universally exact benzodiazepine conversion table. The table below reproduces one commonly referenced professional comparison from the UK's Specialist Pharmacy Service, using 5 mg oral diazepam as the reference point.

Brand name	Generic name	Approximate amount compared with diazepam 5 mg	General duration category
Xanax	Alprazolam	0.25 mg	Shorter acting
Ativan	Lorazepam	0.5 mg	Shorter acting
Valium	Diazepam	5 mg	Long acting
Klonopin	Clonazepam	0.25 mg	Long acting

This table is not a dosing instruction. It represents one published set of approximate equivalencies. Other professional references may assign different conversion estimates.

For the broader clinical comparison of all four medications, including indications, onset, duration and adverse effects, see Xanax vs Valium vs Ativan vs Klonopin: Key Differences.

Clinical Pearl: A benzodiazepine equivalency table compares approximate pharmacologic potency. It does not guarantee equal symptom control, equal sedation, equal withdrawal protection or equal clinical response after switching medications.

Why Are Benzodiazepine Conversions Only Approximate?

Benzodiazepine equivalency is approximate because the medications differ in potency, half-life, metabolites, receptor effects and individual response.

The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service specifically states that oral benzodiazepine equivalent doses to diazepam are not exact.

Factors that affect an apparent equivalent dose include:

• the benzodiazepine being used;
• dose and dosing frequency;
• duration of treatment;
• age;
• liver function;
• kidney function;
• other medications;
• individual metabolism;
• degree of physical dependence;
• the condition being treated;
• previous withdrawal symptoms.

The 2025 Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering similarly emphasizes that conversion to an alternative benzodiazepine is inexact and must be individualized.

Why Do Benzodiazepine Conversion Tables Disagree?

Different conversion tables can produce different estimates because there is no precise laboratory-defined conversion ratio between every benzodiazepine.

The ASAM-led guideline notes that widely used equivalency estimates were historically based in part on doses that patients reported produced similar symptom control after switching. That introduces unavoidable variation.

This is why two reputable references may not give exactly the same answer for questions such as:

• How much Valium is equivalent to Xanax?
• How much Ativan equals Xanax?
• Is 1 mg Klonopin equivalent to 1 mg Xanax?
• What dose of lorazepam equals diazepam?

A calculator can produce a number, but that number cannot account for the entire clinical situation.

Important: Differences between reputable equivalency tables are not necessarily errors. They demonstrate the uncertainty inherent in converting between benzodiazepines.

How Do Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Klonopin Half-Lives Compare?

Half-life is one of the biggest differences between these medications and helps explain why milligram equivalence does not equal identical clinical behavior.

Medication	Generic name	Approximate labeled elimination half-life	Important pharmacokinetic feature
Xanax	Alprazolam	Mean about 11.2 hours	Relatively short acting; no clinically important long-lived active metabolite
Ativan	Lorazepam	About 12 hours	Glucuronidated; major metabolite is not considered CNS active
Klonopin	Clonazepam	Typically 30–40 hours	Longer elimination than alprazolam or lorazepam
Valium	Diazepam	Terminal half-life up to about 48 hours	Active metabolite may have a terminal half-life up to about 100 hours

Current alprazolam prescribing information reports a mean elimination half-life of approximately 11.2 hours.

Current lorazepam prescribing information reports an unconjugated lorazepam half-life of approximately 12 hours.

Current clonazepam prescribing information describes a typical elimination half-life of approximately 30 to 40 hours.

Current diazepam prescribing information reports a prolonged terminal elimination phase of up to approximately 48 hours, with the active metabolite N-desmethyldiazepam persisting substantially longer.

For the broader four-drug comparison, see Xanax vs Valium vs Ativan vs Klonopin: Key Differences.

Xanax vs. Valium Equivalency

Xanax is considerably more potent on a milligram-for-milligram basis than Valium, but Valium remains in the body much longer.

The NHS SPS comparison uses approximately 0.25 mg alprazolam to 5 mg diazepam. That estimate should be interpreted as a clinical reference point rather than a self-conversion formula.

The drugs also differ pharmacokinetically:

• alprazolam has a mean half-life of approximately 11.2 hours;
• diazepam has a much longer terminal phase;
• diazepam produces active metabolites;
• alprazolam can produce greater peaks and troughs between doses.

These differences are clinically relevant during a medication transition or taper.

See Xanax vs Valium vs Ativan vs Klonopin: Key Differences for the broader clinical comparison.

Ativan vs. Valium Equivalency

Lorazepam is also more potent per milligram than diazepam, while diazepam has a substantially longer elimination profile.

The NHS SPS comparison lists approximately 0.5 mg lorazepam as equivalent to 5 mg diazepam.

However, the two medications differ substantially in metabolism. Lorazepam is glucuronidated and does not have the same long-lived active metabolite profile as diazepam.

That difference is one reason clinicians consider liver function, age and other medications when deciding whether a diazepam-based conversion is appropriate.

Klonopin vs. Valium Equivalency

Clonazepam and diazepam are both relatively long-acting benzodiazepines, but clonazepam is substantially more potent on a milligram basis.

The NHS SPS comparison uses approximately 0.25 mg clonazepam to 5 mg diazepam.

Clonazepam's labeled elimination half-life is typically 30–40 hours, while diazepam can persist longer because of its parent drug and active metabolites.

Equivalent potency therefore does not imply identical accumulation or withdrawal characteristics.

Xanax vs. Ativan Equivalency

Alprazolam and lorazepam are both relatively shorter-acting benzodiazepines, but there is no universally accepted exact milligram conversion between them.

Some people search for simple formulas such as “1 mg Xanax equals how much Ativan?” Clinical guidance does not support treating the answer as an exact mathematical ratio.

A clinician switching between the two considers:

• the original dose;
• dosing frequency;
• how long the medication has been used;
• withdrawal symptoms between doses;
• indication;
• other CNS depressants;
• age and organ function.

For the broader Ativan-versus-Xanax comparison within the four-drug group, see Xanax vs Valium vs Ativan vs Klonopin: Key Differences.

Does an Equivalent Benzodiazepine Dose Produce the Same Effect?

No. Approximate potency equivalence does not guarantee identical therapeutic effect, sedation, onset, duration or withdrawal protection.

Two theoretically equivalent doses may feel different because:

• one medication reaches peak concentration faster;
• one has active metabolites;
• one accumulates more with repeated dosing;
• the patient may have incomplete cross-tolerance;
• the original medication may have been taken several times per day;
• individual metabolism varies.

This is why professional guidelines emphasize clinical monitoring rather than simply calculating a conversion and immediately substituting one drug for another.

Why Do Clinicians Sometimes Switch Benzodiazepines to Diazepam?

Diazepam is sometimes used during clinician-supervised benzodiazepine tapering because it is long acting and available in formulations that can facilitate gradual dose reductions.

The 2025 ASAM-led benzodiazepine tapering guideline notes that some clinical guidance recommends transitioning patients from a shorter-acting benzodiazepine to a longer-acting medication such as diazepam or clonazepam.

However, this is not appropriate for everyone.

Factors that may make a switch unsuitable or require additional caution include:

• significant liver dysfunction;
• older age;
• polypharmacy;
• drug interactions;
• previous difficulty changing benzodiazepines;
• incomplete cross-tolerance.

ASAM specifically notes that alprazolam can be difficult to transition because some patients experience significant withdrawal symptoms during conversion.

How Does Equivalency Affect Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

An inaccurate or overly rapid conversion can contribute to withdrawal because an “equivalent” dose may not provide equivalent exposure for a particular patient.

Potential benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:

• anxiety;
• insomnia;
• restlessness;
• tremor;
• sweating;
• nausea;
• palpitations;
• sensory hypersensitivity;
• confusion;
• seizures in severe cases.

Shorter-acting medications such as alprazolam can produce more pronounced concentration fluctuations between doses and may be associated with more difficult withdrawal in some patients.

The next satellite article in this cluster should address benzodiazepine withdrawal across Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Klonopin separately.

Safety warning: People who have taken a benzodiazepine regularly for an extended period should not abruptly stop treatment without clinical guidance. Severe withdrawal can be medically dangerous.

Why Can't Counterfeit Xanax Be Converted Using an Equivalency Table?

A benzodiazepine conversion table assumes that the medication contains the labeled pharmaceutical ingredient and strength. Counterfeit pills do not provide that certainty.

A tablet sold illicitly as a “Xanax bar” may not contain the expected amount of alprazolam and may contain different sedatives or other substances entirely.

For information about tablet appearance and terminology, see Xanax Bars: Colors, Strengths, Slang & Risks.

For the separate counterfeit-pill discussion, see Fake Xanax Bars.

Drug-slang terminology should also not be interpreted as proof of pharmaceutical identity. See Bars Drug Slang.

Someone cannot safely determine benzodiazepine equivalence from the color, shape, imprint, street name or claimed milligram strength of an unverified pill.

Benzodiazepine Equivalency: Myth vs. Fact

Myth	Fact
1 mg of every benzodiazepine has roughly the same effect.	No. Potency varies greatly between alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam and clonazepam.
Conversion tables provide exact doses.	No. Professional guidance explicitly describes benzodiazepine equivalents as approximate.
If two doses are equivalent, the medications last the same amount of time.	No. Half-lives and active metabolites differ substantially.
Valium is weaker, so it is automatically safer.	No. Lower milligram potency does not mean lower overall medication risk.
Xanax and Ativan are interchangeable because both are shorter acting.	No. They differ in potency, metabolism, approved indications and individual clinical response.
A person can use a conversion calculator to switch prescriptions at home.	No. Conversion and tapering require individualized clinical assessment.
A Xanax bar bought outside a pharmacy can be converted using its claimed dose.	No. Counterfeit tablets may contain different amounts or entirely different substances.

When to Seek Medical Help

Urgent medical attention is appropriate for severe benzodiazepine withdrawal, overdose symptoms or dangerous CNS depression.

Seek emergency care for symptoms such as:

• seizures;
• difficulty breathing;
• loss of consciousness;
• inability to wake;
• severe confusion or delirium;
• hallucinations or severe agitation;
• suspected overdose;
• severe symptoms after abruptly stopping a benzodiazepine.

The risk of severe respiratory depression is particularly important when benzodiazepines are combined with opioids, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xanax, Ativan, Valium & Klonopin Equivalency

Is there an exact Xanax-to-Valium conversion?

No. Published tables provide approximate estimates rather than an exact universal conversion. The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service uses 0.25 mg alprazolam as approximately equivalent to 5 mg diazepam, but other professional guidance may use different estimates. Individual conversion should be determined by a clinician.

How much Ativan equals Valium?

One professional reference, NHS SPS, lists 0.5 mg lorazepam as approximately equivalent to 5 mg diazepam. This is an educational comparison rather than a self-dosing recommendation. Patient response, duration of treatment, liver function, age and withdrawal history can change the appropriate clinical conversion.

How much Klonopin equals Valium?

NHS SPS lists 0.25 mg clonazepam as approximately equivalent to 5 mg diazepam. Because clonazepam and diazepam differ in metabolism, accumulation and clinical indications, an approximate potency comparison should not be used by patients to substitute one prescription for another.

Is 1 mg Xanax the same as 1 mg Ativan?

No. Equal milligram numbers do not mean equal benzodiazepine potency. Alprazolam and lorazepam have different approximate equivalency estimates, pharmacokinetics and clinical effects. Professional guidelines also emphasize that conversion values are inherently approximate rather than exact ratios.

Which is stronger, Xanax or Valium?

Alprazolam is more potent on a milligram-for-milligram basis, but “stronger” can be misleading because diazepam remains in the body much longer and produces active metabolites. Potency, onset, half-life and clinical effect should be considered separately.

Which is stronger, Klonopin or Xanax?

Both are high-potency benzodiazepines, but they differ substantially in elimination. Clonazepam has a much longer typical half-life than alprazolam. A simple “stronger” ranking does not adequately describe the clinical differences between the medications.

Why do benzodiazepine calculators give different answers?

There is no precise conversion methodology that applies to every patient. Different references draw from different evidence, clinical conventions and historical estimates. ASAM specifically notes that available conversion values are approximate and that patient response can differ substantially from published estimates.

Can a doctor switch Xanax directly to Valium?

Clinicians sometimes transition a patient from alprazolam to a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam when tapering is appropriate. However, the transition should be individualized and may be performed gradually because alprazolam can have incomplete cross-tolerance with other benzodiazepines.

Why is Valium commonly used as the comparison drug?

Diazepam has traditionally been used as a reference because it is long acting and has been widely incorporated into benzodiazepine tapering and equivalency guidance. This does not mean diazepam is automatically the correct medication for every patient or every taper.

Does half-life determine benzodiazepine equivalency?

No. Half-life is important, but equivalency also involves relative potency, clinical response, metabolism, active metabolites and the condition being treated. Two drugs may be considered approximately equivalent in potency while producing very different concentration patterns over time.

Can I calculate my own benzodiazepine taper using this table?

No. The table is educational and should not be used to design a taper. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can become severe or medically dangerous, and professional guidance recommends individualized dose reductions with monitoring rather than a universal tapering schedule.

Are Xanax bars always 2 mg alprazolam?

No. Legitimately manufactured products have specified strengths, but a pill sold outside a licensed pharmacy may be counterfeit. Color, shape, slang terminology or a claimed dose cannot establish what substance or amount is actually present. See Xanax Bars: Colors, Strengths, Slang & Risks.

Related Clinical Resources

• Xanax vs Valium vs Ativan vs Klonopin: Key Differences
• Xanax Bars: Colors, Strengths, Slang & Risks
• Fake Xanax Bars
• Bars Drug Slang

Source Verification

This article uses current professional benzodiazepine-equivalency guidance, the 2025 Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering and current U.S. prescribing information for alprazolam, lorazepam, clonazepam and diazepam.

The equivalency table is explicitly identified as one source's approximate comparison rather than a universal dosing formula. Current professional guidance states that conversion between benzodiazepines is inexact and should be individualized.

References

1. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service. Oral Benzodiazepines and Choosing Equivalent Doses . Updated July 2, 2025.
2. American Society of Addiction Medicine and partner organizations. Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering . 2025.
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Alprazolam Tablets: Prescribing Information .
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Lorazepam Tablets: Prescribing Information .
5. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Clonazepam Tablets: Prescribing Information .
6. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Diazepam Tablets: Prescribing Information .

Last updated: September 26, 2026.

About the Author

Benjamin Zohar, NCACIP is a Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and ISSUP network moderator specializing in addiction intervention, treatment navigation and emerging substance-use risks. His educational work published through ISSUP on counterfeit medications, fentanyl exposure and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine has been cited or referenced by GoodRx, The Washington Post, WIRED and Newsweek.

Medical reviewed by Brandon McNally, RN 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and public-health purposes. It does not provide individualized medical advice, diagnosis or a tapering schedule. Do not start, stop or alter a prescription medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Call emergency services for seizures, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe confusion or other life-threatening symptoms.