Clorazepate Is a Long-Acting Benzodiazepine Used for Anxiety, Seizures, and Alcohol Withdrawal

Clorazepate Dipotassium is a prescription benzodiazepine that enhances the calming effects of GABA in the brain to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and ease symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

If you've been prescribed Clorazepate—or your doctor is considering it—this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how it's used, proper dosing, who should avoid it, and how much it costs.

What Is Clorazepate?

Clorazepate Dipotassium is the generic name for the medication sold under the brand names Tranxene T-Tab and Tranxene SD. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications, which are some of the most widely prescribed drugs for anxiety and seizure disorders.

Key facts about Clorazepate:

• Drug class: Benzodiazepine
• DEA schedule: Schedule IV controlled substance
• Brand manufacturer: Recordati Rare Diseases Inc (Tranxene)
• Generic manufacturers: ANI Pharmaceuticals (FDA-approved 2026), among others
• Available forms: Oral tablets in 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, and 15 mg strengths
• Generic available: Yes

Clorazepate is unique among benzodiazepines because it's a prodrug—it gets converted in your stomach into its active form, nordiazepam, which is what actually produces the therapeutic effects. Nordiazepam has a very long half-life (about 2 days), making Clorazepate one of the longest-acting benzodiazepines available.

For a detailed look at how Clorazepate works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.

What Is Clorazepate Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

1. Anxiety disorders — Clorazepate is approved for the management of anxiety. It provides relief from symptoms like excessive worry, restlessness, and tension.
2. Partial seizures (adjunctive therapy) — It's used alongside other anticonvulsant medications to help control partial seizures that haven't responded fully to a single medication.
3. Acute alcohol withdrawal — Clorazepate can help manage the anxiety, agitation, and tremors associated with alcohol withdrawal during the acute detoxification period.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors may prescribe Clorazepate off-label for:

• Insomnia
• Muscle spasm
• Panic disorder

Off-label use means the medication is being used for a condition not specifically approved by the FDA, but it's a legal and common medical practice when supported by clinical evidence.

How Is Clorazepate Taken?

Clorazepate is taken by mouth, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.

Typical Dosing

• Anxiety: 7.5 to 60 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. The usual dose is 30 mg per day. Some patients may take a single 15 mg dose at bedtime.
• Partial seizures: Up to 90 mg per day, adjusted based on response. Adults usually start at 7.5 mg three times daily, with increases of no more than 7.5 mg per week.
• Alcohol withdrawal: Day 1 typically starts at 30 mg, followed by 30-60 mg in divided doses, then gradually tapered over subsequent days.

Important Dosing Notes

• Don't stop abruptly. Clorazepate must be tapered gradually under medical supervision. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
• Take as prescribed. Don't increase your dose without talking to your doctor, even if you feel it's not working as well.
• Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Don't double up.

Who Should Not Take Clorazepate?

Clorazepate is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Known hypersensitivity to Clorazepate or other benzodiazepines

Use with extra caution if you have:

• Liver or kidney problems (the active metabolite has a long half-life and can accumulate)
• A history of substance abuse
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Respiratory conditions

FDA Boxed Warnings

Clorazepate carries three serious FDA boxed warnings that apply to all benzodiazepines:

1. Abuse, misuse, and addiction — Can lead to overdose and death
2. Physical dependence and withdrawal — Withdrawal reactions can be life-threatening
3. Concomitant use with opioids — Combining with opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death

These warnings don't mean Clorazepate is unsafe when used properly—they mean it requires careful medical supervision. Learn about Clorazepate side effects and drug interactions in our detailed guides.

How Much Does Clorazepate Cost?

The cost of Clorazepate depends on the dose, pharmacy, and whether you have insurance:

• Generic (without insurance): $29-$155 for a 30-day supply (30 tablets), depending on dose strength
• Generic 7.5 mg with discount coupons: As low as $29-$34 for 30 tablets (GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Insurance coverage: Generic Clorazepate is typically covered as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 medication. Some plans may require prior authorization for benzodiazepines or impose quantity limits.
• Medicare Part D: Generally covers generic Clorazepate

For a complete breakdown of savings options—including coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs—see our Clorazepate savings guide.

Final Thoughts

Clorazepate is an effective, long-acting benzodiazepine that's been in use for decades. Its unique prodrug design and extended duration of action make it a good option for patients who need steady, sustained relief from anxiety or seizures.

Like all benzodiazepines, it comes with real risks—dependence, withdrawal, and dangerous interactions with opioids and alcohol. But with proper medical supervision and informed use, it remains a valuable medication for the right patients.

If you have a prescription and need to fill it, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with Clorazepate in stock near you.