Lack of sleep-inducing properties of propranolol (80 mg) in chronic insomniacs previously treated by common hypnotic medications.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, propranolol 80 mg did not show any hypnotic properties and even increased the insomnia in a sample of 37 patients previously treated chronically with hypnotic medication (mostly benzodiazepines). This worsening of the insomnia is consistent with the observations of sleep disturbance at the beginning of treatment with beta-blocking drugs. This lack of efficacy suggests that the anti-stress or anxiolytic properties of propranolol do not apply to the rebound insomnia seen when stopping treatment with hypnotic drugs.
Danjou
P
P
Puech
A
A
Warot
D
D
Benoit
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011433:Propranolol