From the Research
The equivalent dose of clonazepam for a patient taking 0.75mg of lorazepam (Ativan) daily would be approximately 0.375mg, based on the relative potency of these two benzodiazepines, where clonazepam is generally considered to be about twice as potent as lorazepam 1. When switching between these medications, the dose of clonazepam should be roughly half the dose of lorazepam to achieve similar therapeutic effects.
- It's essential to note that when transitioning between benzodiazepines, the switch should be done gradually under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms or adverse effects.
- Individual patient factors such as age, liver function, and concurrent medications may necessitate dose adjustments.
- Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which produces a calming effect, but they differ in their onset of action and duration.
- Clonazepam has a longer half-life than lorazepam, which means it stays in the system longer and may require less frequent dosing. The most recent and highest quality study provided does not directly address the conversion between lorazepam and clonazepam, but based on the general understanding of benzodiazepine potency, the conversion can be estimated 1.
- The study from 1979 comparing diazepam and lorazepam provides some insight into the potency of lorazepam, but the most relevant information for this conversion comes from general knowledge about the relative potency of benzodiazepines.
- Other studies, such as those involving carbamazepine and alcohol withdrawal, do not directly pertain to the conversion between lorazepam and clonazepam 2, 3, 4, 5.