The Use of the EEG for Assessment of Vigilance Changes Caused by Beta-Blockers

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Abstract
Changes of vigilance caused by .beta.-blockers were investigated. A recently developed method to measure the vigilance fluctuations, based on the EEG spectra, was employed together with self-rating. Repeated vigilance measurements were made in 20 healthy volunteers before and after administration of placebo, propranolol and metoprolol in random sequence. Both EEG analysis and self-rating confirmed that the vigilance level was significantly decreased after administration of .beta.-blockers compared to placebo. No significant difference between propranolol and metoprolol was found. The decrease in systolic blood pressure after .beta.-blockade may be responsible for the drug-induced drowsiness. Some observations may be indirect proof that central mechanisms are also involved and that both propranolol and metoprolol have sedative properties comparable to those observed with conventional psychotropic drugs.

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