Propranolol as a primary treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
We conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of propranolol versus placebo as a single treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia in eleven schizophrenic patients. Neither propranolol nor placebo treated patients showed a significant improvement in akathisia. While propranolol may be useful as an adjunct to anticholinergic medication in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia, propranolol does not appear to be effective within 48 hours as a primary treatment in a select group of schizophrenic patients.
Irwin
M
M
Clinical Research Center on Alcoholism, San Diego, VAMC, San Diego 92161.
Sullivan
G
G
Van Putten
T
T
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011433:Propranolol