title: The psychological side effects of acebutolol and atenolol.
abstract: We have measured the psychological effects of acebutolol and atenolol in sixteen patients with essential hypertension. The drugs were administered in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind manner, in single daily doses of 100 mg atenolol, 400 mg acebutolol or placebo for periods of 6 weeks, each drug period being separated by a placebo period. At each 2 weekly clinic visit, a questionnaire designed for assessment of state anxiety and state arousal was administered for self-completion. Arousal was significantly reduced by atenolol over the whole 6 weeks of administration. It was not affected by acebutolol. Anxiety was significantly reduced by acebutolol but only at the first of the three 2 weekly assessments on treatment. It was not affected by atenolol. Differences in the psychological effects of these two beta-adrenoceptor blockers are discussed in terms of their lipid solubility and haemodynamic effects.
mesh_terms: D000070:Acebutolol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001262:Atenolol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001262:Atenolol; D000070:Acebutolol