Indications: adjunctive treatment of cortical myoclonus; It is said to protect the cerebral cortex against hypoxia; trauma of surgery; alcoholism; vertigo, senile dementia, cerebrovascular accidents and behavioral disorders in children.

Cautions: avoid abrupt withdrawal; elderly; haemostasis, major surgery, or severe haemorrhage; renal impairment.

Contra-indications: cerebral haemorrhage; hepatic and severe renal impairment; pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Side Effects: weight gain, nervousness, hyperkinesia; less commonly drowsiness, depression, asthenia, also reported abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, anxiety, confusion, hallucination, vertigo, ataxia, insomnia, and rash.

Dose: initially 7.2 g daily in 2–3 divided doses, increased according to response by 4.8 g daily every 3–4 days to max. 20 g daily (subsequently, attempts should be made to reduce dose of concurrent therapy); CHILD under 16 years not recommended.