Nomifensine in parkinsonism.

1. The effect of nomifensine was compared with that of placebo in a double-blind crossover study in patients with parkinsonism. 2. Of the 29 patients who entered the study, three were previously untreated and 26 continued their L-DOPA or other antiparkinsonian therapy, or both, during the trial. 3. Clinical assessments were made at fortnightly intervals throughout the study. 4. The most noticeable improvement during active treatment--namely, tremor, facial expression and finger flexion were moderate in extent. 5. When placebo was substituted for active drug a significant deterioration of physical signs and functional disability occurred (P less than 0.001). 6. Elderly patients fared less well than younger patients, and the most common adverse effect was involuntary movements.