The maximum dose should not be exceeded. The usual dose is 3 mg twice or thrice daily. Treatment should be as short as possible. The patient should be reassessed regularly and the need for continued treatment should be evaluated, especially in case the patient is symptom free. 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.
Less common are depression of mood, disorientation or confusion, lethargy and ataxia. Paradoxical reactions such as acute hyperexcitable states with hostility and rage, may occur. If these occur the medicine should be discontinued. There have been reports of blood disorders and jaundice. During long-term treatment regular blood counts and liver function tests should be performed.