Indications: Parkinsonism (but not drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms); antiviral

Cautions: cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal disease; recurrent eczema; psychosis; elderly patients; breast- feeding. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of treatment.

Contra-indications: epilepsy, gastric ulcer; severe renal impairment; pregnancy, breast-feeding.

Side Effects: anorexia, nausea, nervousness, inability to concentrate, insomnia, dizziness, convulsions, hallucinations or feelings of detachment, blurred vision, gastro-intestinal disturbances, livedo reticularis and peripheral oedema; rarely leucopenia, rashes.

Dose: Parkinson's disease, 100 mg daily increased after one week to 100 mg twice daily, usually in conjunction with other treatment; some patients may require higher doses, max. 400 mg daily; ELDERLY 65 years and over, 100 mg daily adjusted according to response.

Post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, continued for a further 14 days if necessary 100 mg daily increased if necessary to 100 mg twice daily (not later than 4 p.m.) usually in conjunction with other treatment. Max. 400 mg daily.