Treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia with propranolol: a controlled replication study

Hillside J Clin Psychiatry. 1989;11(2):107-19.

Abstract

Twelve DSM-IIIR diagnosed schizophrenics, with neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA), were treated with either propranolol or matched placebo for two days, followed by a treatment crossover phase for five more days. Raters and patients were "blind" to treatment. This study shows that 120 mg of propranolol a day is more effective than placebo in reducing akathisia, and that propranolol's antiakathisic effect may require several days of treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Benztropine / administration & dosage
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benztropine
  • Propranolol