The role of propranolol for post-exposure chemoprophylaxis of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder may be due to excessive adrenergic activation immediately following trauma leading to over-consolidation of traumatic memories. Based on this premise, propranolol has been studied as a means of post-exposure prophylaxis of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Published trials include a retrospective chart review, a prospective cohort study, and a number of randomized clinical trials. Current data suggest ineffectiveness of propranolol for this indication, but larger, randomized, placebo-controlled trials that include more diverse types of traumas are needed in order to provide more definitive evidence.