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BETA‐BLOCKERS IN THE TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Author(s) -
Peet M.,
Yates R. A.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2710.1981.tb00988.x
Subject(s) - propranolol , medicine , mania , psychosis , migraine , anxiety , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychiatry , clozapine , bipolar disorder , anesthesia , lithium (medication)
SUMMARY β‐blockers, originally introduced into clinical practice for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, are being increasingly advocated in the treatment of diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions. Thus, propranolol and certain other β‐blockers have been shown to be effective, and may be the drugs of choice, in the treatment of benign essential tremor and the prevention of recurrent migraine attacks. These drugs also have a useful role to play in the treatment of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal states, although β‐blockers have not come into general use in these conditions. The action of propranolol and related drugs in these neurological and psychiatric conditions is generally considered to be mediated by blockade of peripheral β‐adrenergic receptors, although other effects, either central or peripheral, may also be involved. The use of β‐blockers in the treatment of psychosis remains controversial. Current evidence does not support the use of propranolol in schizophrenia, but further studies in mania are warranted.