Propranolol in chronic schizophrenia: a controlled study in neuroleptic-treated patients.
The effect of propranolol at a dose level of 1,280-1,920 mg per day was studied with a double-blind crossover design in twelve chronic schizophrenics with persistent psychotic symptoms despite maintenance treatment with a depot neuroleptic. By use of a psychiatric rating scale (CPRS), an improvement was seen during the two week period of propranolol compared to placebo treatment in six patients, whereas three patients were unchanged and three deteriorated. The effect on total symptom scores for the whole group was significantly better after propranolol. The data indicate that propranolol in high doses has an antipsychotic effect in some schizophrenic patients when receiving neuroleptics.
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011433:Propranolol