What Is Tranxene? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Tranxene is a brand-name benzodiazepine that has been available in the United States since 1967. If you've been prescribed it — or are researching it for a family member — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it treats, how it's dosed, how long it stays in your system, and important things to watch out for.

What Is Tranxene?

Tranxene is the brand name for clorazepate dipotassium, a long-acting benzodiazepine. It belongs to the same drug class as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax). It comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. In the United States, it's sold under two brand presentations: Tranxene T-Tab (standard tablets) and Tranxene SD (single-dose).

Clorazepate is unusual among benzodiazepines because it's a prodrug — it's essentially inactive until your stomach converts it to its active form, nordiazepam (also called desmethyldiazepam). Nordiazepam is the same active metabolite produced by diazepam (Valium), which is why the two drugs are pharmacologically similar.

What Is Tranxene Used For?

Tranxene is FDA-approved for three indications:

Anxiety disorders: For the symptomatic relief of anxiety and anxiety-related tension. It's typically prescribed for short-term use (the FDA notes that evidence of effectiveness beyond 4 months is limited for anxiety).

Adjunctive therapy for partial seizures: Used alongside other anticonvulsant medications to help control partial seizures in patients 9 years and older. Unlike its use for anxiety, clorazepate's effectiveness in long-term seizure management is well-documented.

Acute alcohol withdrawal: To relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety, tremors, agitation, and the risk of withdrawal seizures. Its long duration of action makes it useful for gradual tapering during alcohol detoxification.

What Are the Available Doses and Forms?

Tranxene is available as oral tablets in three strengths:

3.75 mg tablets (Tranxene T-Tab)

7.5 mg tablets (Tranxene T-Tab) — the most commonly prescribed strength

15 mg tablets (Tranxene T-Tab)

Generic clorazepate dipotassium is available from multiple manufacturers and comes in the same strengths. As of 2026, ANI Pharmaceuticals has a new FDA-approved generic version on the market, adding to the existing supply.

How Is Tranxene Dosed?

Dosing depends on what condition Tranxene is being used for:

Anxiety: Usual daily dose is 30 mg, divided throughout the day (in 2-4 doses). The range is 15-60 mg/day. Can also be given as a single 15 mg dose at bedtime. Elderly patients typically start at 7.5-15 mg/day.

Seizures: Starting dose for patients over 12 is 7.5 mg three times daily. Dose increases by no more than 7.5 mg each week. Maximum dose is 90 mg/day.

Alcohol withdrawal: Day 1: Up to 90 mg as needed; doses are then tapered over subsequent days to 7.5-15 mg/day before being discontinued.

How Long Does Tranxene Stay in Your System?

Tranxene is one of the longest-acting benzodiazepines. After ingestion, clorazepate is rapidly converted to nordiazepam (its active metabolite), which has a half-life of approximately 40 to 50 hours — meaning it takes about 2 days for half the drug to leave your system. With repeated dosing, nordiazepam accumulates. It can take more than a week for clorazepate's effects to fully clear the body after stopping.

This long duration is one of Tranxene's key clinical advantages — it provides more consistent, steady-state anxiety control than shorter-acting benzodiazepines, and it allows for smoother tapering during alcohol withdrawal.

Is Tranxene a Controlled Substance?

Yes. Tranxene is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has accepted medical use but also carries a recognized risk of abuse and physical dependence. It requires a prescription from a licensed provider with DEA prescribing authority, and in-person evaluation is typically required to initiate a new prescription.

Is Generic Clorazepate the Same as Tranxene?

Yes. Generic clorazepate dipotassium contains the same active ingredient, dose, and is held to the same FDA bioequivalence standards as brand-name Tranxene. The main difference is price — generic clorazepate is typically significantly less expensive. Brand-name Tranxene is manufactured by Recordati Rare Diseases Inc.; generics are produced by several manufacturers, with ANI Pharmaceuticals adding a new option in 2026.

Where to Learn More

For a deeper dive into how Tranxene works in your body, see our article on Tranxene's mechanism of action. To learn what side effects to watch for, read our guide on Tranxene side effects.