Indications: acute and chronic psychoses, in which both positive and negative symptoms are prominent.

Cautions: pregnancy; hepatic impairment; renal impairment; concomitant administration of drugs that prolong QT intervals; cardiovascular disease; history of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease; epilepsy; Increased risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia.

Contra-indications: breast-feeding.

Side Effects: weight gain; dizziness; insomnia, headache, decreased concentration; postural hypotension; fatigue; blurred vision; rash; gastro-intestinal disturbances; thrombocytopenia; seizures; abnormal temperature regulation; priapism, urinary incontinence.

Dose: 2 mg in 1-2 divided doses on first day then 4 mg in 1-2 divided doses on second day then 6 mg in 1-2 divided doses on third day.

Usual range, 4-8 mg daily.

Max. dose is 16 mg daily (doses above 10 mg only if benefit outweighs risk)

Elderly, initially 500 mcg twice daily. Maintenance, 1 -2 mg twice daily.