Peak is not onset
Tmax is the time of the peak blood concentration. Clinical changes may not follow concentration directly; do not use the peak time to decide whether to take another dose.
BENZODIAZEPINE REFERENCE
Drug reference
COMPARISON
Compare pharmacokinetic curves
Compare up to 3 medicines. Each peak is normalized separately; curve height does not compare potency or dose.
Reading guide & model notes
How to read these data
Half-life is not effect duration
Half-life describes the decline in concentration. Active metabolites, repeated dosing and individual differences can prolong residual impairment.
Milligrams do not compare potency
The milligram amounts of different drugs cannot be compared directly. This site provides no equivalent-dose, switching or personal taper calculator.
How are the curves calculated?
Every curve is an educational mathematical illustration, not a clinically validated measurement, sedation curve or subjective-effect curve. It has no safe threshold, redosing time or driving-clearance meaning.
The single-compartment, first-order absorption/elimination model uses C(t) ∝ exp(−ke·t) − exp(−ka·t), with ke = ln(2) / t½. The listed Tmax is used to solve for ka; each curve is normalized to its own peak of 1. Choices of midpoints or upper limits are stated in each entry.
When reliable Tmax data are unavailable, C(t) / Cpeak = exp(−ke·t) shows elimination after the peak. If any compared drug lacks Tmax, every curve in that comparison uses the post-peak origin.
The model omits multi-compartment distribution, metabolite formation, individual differences, food, interactions, tolerance and repeated dosing. Parent-drug curves for diazepam or flurazepam do not describe the total effect. The clorazepate entry explicitly models an active metabolite.
The presentation was informed by piru. Formulas were implemented independently; its code and drug database were not copied. Community time estimates are not converted into unvalidated clinical-effect curves.
Risks & precautions
Other CNS depressants
Alcohol, opioids and other sedatives can increase severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma and death. Combination treatment requires a medical assessment.
Dependence & withdrawal
Regular use can cause physical dependence. Abrupt stopping or rapid reduction can cause severe withdrawal, including seizures. Discuss stopping with the prescriber.
When to seek emergency care
If someone is hard to wake, is breathing slowly or abnormally, or has blue lips, contact local emergency services and report possible drug exposure. Do not wait for a curve to fall.
References & coverage
References & coverage
2026.10.30DailyMedUS prescribing informationemc / SmPCUK product informationPMDAJapanese product informationOD WikiCommunity referencePsychonautWikiCommunity reference
Product labels and original studies take priority. Each entry identifies its sources, region and formulation; community sources are not used as the basis for prescribing doses. Content has not undergone independent medical review.
Coverage & limitations
This edition includes 20 benzodiazepines and related drugs, plus 4 Z-drugs across the two sites. It is not an exhaustive global catalogue. Historical, regional and research substances are not fully covered. Etizolam and brotizolam are included as structurally related drugs. Midazolam explicitly uses injection data. Missing values are not guessed. Reviewed: 2026-10-30.
Source links concern particular products, not approval or availability in every region. Refer to current local labels and professional assessment. This site provides no individual diagnosis or treatment and does not collect health records.