Alcohol withdrawal medication: Frequently Asked Questions

For patients who had previously been prescribed chlordiazepoxide

These FAQs have been prepared to provide guidance for patients who need to switch from chlordiazepoxide to diazepam.  

Please see our main page on switching from chlordiazepoxide for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome for further information.

You are being given diazepam, which is very similar to chlordiazepoxide.

Both medicines:

  • Are part of the same group (benzodiazepines)
  • Work in the same way in the brain
  • Help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms

The change is usually due to supply issues, not because chlordiazepoxide didn’t work.

Diazepam

  • Lasts longer in the body
  • Often means fewer doses per day
  • Is commonly used in hospital settings

Even though the name is different, the treatment goal is the same.

For most people, the effects feel very similar.

You may notice:

  • You feel calm and less shaky
  • You may feel sleepy (sometimes more than with chlordiazepoxide)

No – diazepam and chlordiazepoxide have different strengths.

Your clinician will:

  • Calculate an equivalent dose safely
  • Adjust it based on your symptoms

Even though the medication has changed, what you should expect is the same.

You should feel:

  • Less anxious
  • Less shaky
  • More settled

Tell your alcohol care team if you still have:

  • Tremors
  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Sweating or trouble sleeping

This can happen because diazepam:

  • Stays in your body longer
  • Has a stronger sedating effect in some people

Mild sleepiness is expected and normal.

Tell your healthcare team if:

  • You find it difficult to stay awake
  • You feel very unsteady
  • You are worried about falls

Just like with chlordiazepoxide, it is used for short-term only.

  • Usually less than 10 days
  • Dose will gradually reduce each day

The plan is very similar to a chlordiazepoxide detox.

No — diazepam treats withdrawal symptoms only.
It does not reduce cravings or prevent relapse.

However, completing a withdrawal safely is the first step towards recovery.

Additional treatments may be offered to help you remain alcohol-free.

In hospital

  • Regular monitoring of withdrawal symptoms (e.g. CIWA scoring)
  • Medical review and dose adjustments
  • Nursing support
  • Support, advice and review by the alcohol care team

In the community

  • Community alcohol teams
  • GP follow-up
  • Key worker support

Across England, you can access:

  • Local authority-funded drug and alcohol services such as Turning Point and Change Grow Live (CGL)
  • NHS community addiction teams
  • Private residential and community detox programmes.

You can self-refer or ask your GP or hospital team to refer you.

Yes—family and carers play an important role.

They should know:

  • Withdrawal can be physically and emotionally challenging
  • Sedation from medication is expected but should be monitored
  • Signs to seek urgent help include:
    • Severe confusion
    • Seizures
    • Difficulty breathing
  • Support is available for them too, including:
    • Family support groups (e.g. Al-Anon)
    • Carer support services
    • Advice from local alcohol services