The Crossover Protocol: Switching from Xanax to Valium

The "Marathon Runner" Strategy

Imagine trying to walk down a staircase, but the steps keep disappearing before your foot lands. That is what tapering a short-acting benzodiazepine (like Xanax or Ativan) can feel like. The drug leaves your body so fast that you enter withdrawal every single day between doses.

To fix this, Dr. Heather Ashton developed a protocol to switch patients to a "Long-Acting" benzodiazepine, typically Valium (Diazepam).

Why Valium?

Valium has a half-life of up to 200 hours (compared to Xanax's 6-12 hours). This means:

1. Self-Tapering: The drug leaves your body so slowly that it essentially tapers itself.
2. Steady Blood Levels: No more interdose withdrawal or "morning anxiety."
3. Easier Math: Valium comes in liquid and low-dose tablets (2mg), making it easier to cut small amounts.

How the Switch Works (The Step-Wise Approach)

Do not switch overnight. This is a common mistake that leads to severe sedation. The switch must be done gradually, usually over 4-6 weeks.

Stage 1: The Nighttime Swap

You typically start by replacing just your evening dose of Xanax with an equivalent dose of Valium.

• Note: 0.5mg Xanax is roughly equal to 10mg Valium (according to Ashton Manual equivalents).
• Goal: This ensures you have long-acting coverage while you sleep, preventing morning anxiety.

Stage 2: The Daytime Swap

Once you stabilize on the nighttime mix (usually after 1-2 weeks), you swap one of your daytime doses.

• You are now taking less Xanax and more Valium.
• You may feel "sleepy" or "heavy" during this phase as Valium is more sedating. This usually passes.

Stage 3: The Full Transition

Eventually, you are taking only Valium.

• The Win: You no longer need to dose 4 times a day. Most people dose twice a day (Morning/Night).
• The Taper: Now that you are on a smooth, long-acting foundation, you can begin your 5-10% reductions directly from Valium.

Is the Switch Right for You?

Not everyone needs to switch. Many people taper directly off Xanax using liquid micro-tapers or precision scales. However, if you are hitting a wall or suffering from severe interdose withdrawal, the Crossover Protocol is the "Gold Standard" medical solution.