Immediate treatment with propranolol decreases posttraumatic stress disorder two months after trauma.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the efficacy of propranolol prescribed shortly after trauma exposure in the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis.


METHODS
Eleven patients received 40 mg of propranolol 3 times daily for 7 days, followed by a taper period of 8-12 days. They were compared with eight patients who refused propranolol but agreed to participate in the study. Though nonrandomized, the two groups did not differ on demographics, exposure characteristics, physical injury severity, or peritraumatic emotional responses.


RESULTS
Posttraumatic stress disorder rates were higher in the group who refused propranolol (3/8) compared with those who received the medication (1/11), as were the levels of PTSD symptoms (U = 85, p =.037).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results are consistent with earlier findings and suggest that propranolol may be useful for mitigating PTSD symptoms or perhaps even preventing the development of PTSD.
Vaiva
Guillaume
G
Clinical School of Psychiatry, University of Lille II, Lille, France.
Ducrocq
François
F
Jezequel
Karine
K
Averland
Benoit
B
Lestavel
Philippe
P
Brunet
Alain
A
Marmar
Charles R
CR
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D011433:Propranolol