Lack of efficacy of d-propranolol in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.

Abstract

d-Propranolol lacks clinically significant beta-adrenergic receptor blocking properties, but has the same membrane stabilizing effects as racemic (d,l) propranolol. To assess the role of beta-blockade versus membrane stabilization or other shared nonspecific effects in the therapeutic action of propranolol in neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA) we treated 11 patients with NIA in a crossover, double-blind study of d-propranolol versus placebo. Akathisia scores were unchanged after both d-propranolol and placebo. Eight patients were subsequently treated in a nonblind manner with racemic propranolol, with a significant reduction in akathisia scores. These findings suggest that beta-blockade, not membrane stabilization or other shared nonspecific effects, contributes to the efficacy of propranolol in NIA.

• Authors: L A Adler, B Angrist, P Fritz, J Rotrosen, G Mallya, J F Lipinski Jr
• Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (Neuropsychopharmacology) Vol. 4 Issue 2 Pg. 109-15 (Feb 1991) ISSN: 0893-133X [Print] England
• PMID: 1673844 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Propranolol

Topics

• Adult
• Akathisia, Drug-Induced
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects)
• Blood Pressure
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Propranolol (therapeutic use)
• Psychomotor Agitation (drug therapy, physiopathology)