Is lorazepam as strong as diazepam?

Lorazepam and diazepam are both medications that belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. While both medications are similar in some ways, there are also some differences between the two.

In terms of their potency, diazepam is generally considered to be more potent than lorazepam. This means that a smaller dose of diazepam is needed to produce the same effects as a larger dose of lorazepam.

Another difference between lorazepam and diazepam is their half-life, which refers to the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Diazepam has a longer half-life than lorazepam, which means that it stays in the body for a longer period of time. This can be beneficial for people who need long-term treatment for anxiety or other conditions.

Lorazepam is often used to treat anxiety disorders, while diazepam is commonly used to treat conditions such as muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also sometimes used as a preoperative sedative.

Both lorazepam and diazepam can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. They can also be habit-forming if used improperly.

In summary, lorazepam and diazepam are both benzodiazepines that have similar uses but differ in terms of their potency and half-life. Both medications can cause side effects and should only be taken as directed by a healthcare provider.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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