Elderly or debilitated patients should not be given more than half of the normal adult dose. Treatment should be as short as possible. Generally the duration of treatment varies from a few days to two weeks, with a maximum, including tapering off process of four weeks. In certain cases extension beyond the maximum treatment period may be necessary, if so, it should not take place without re-evaluation of the patient's status. The side-effects most commonly encountered are drowsiness and oversedation.
Drowsiness is more common in elderly and debilitated patients and in patients receiving high doses.
Depression of mood, disorientation or confusion, lethargy, blurred vision, urinary retention, or incontinence, jaundice, changes in salivation, blood disorders, dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness and ataxia may occur. Nightmares, hallucinations, insomnia and agitation, convulsions, cutaneous reactions such as rash and pruritus, headache, gastro-intestinal disturbances, slurred speech, changes in libido and tremor have been reported. Hypothermia, and tingling and numbness of the hands may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions has been reported less frequently. Respiratory depression and hypotension occasionally occur with high doses.