Barbiturate Dependence in Mice: Effects of Propranolol on the Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract
C57BL/6J mice were made physically dependent on phenobarbital by means of a powdered diet mixed with the drug. During withdrawal, propranolol was found to reduce the frequency of seizures, while no effect was seen on other signs of withdrawal from barbiturates. Propranolol appears to be an effective anticonvulsant with respect to withdrawal-induced seizures.