Propranolol in Schizophrenia

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Abstract
Schizophrenic patients [6] received propranolol hydrochloride to evaluate pharmacological, endocrinological and antipsychotic properties of the drug. They were previously unsuccessfully treated with phenothiazines. After a drug-free period of 2 wk, propranolol was administered in gradually increasing doses. After 2-4 wk, a low dose of phenothiazines was added. The clinical effect was evaluated using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. Of the 6 patients, 3 showed a definite improvement with propranolol therapy given as a sole treatment. Propranolol in plasma was positively correlated to dosage. The proportion of its major metabolite, 4-hydroxy-propranolol, decreased with increasing drug dose. Melatonin and prolactin levels in serum decreased noticeably with propranolol treatment. When phenothiazines were added, prolactin increased above drug-free levels. The view that propranolol has an antipsychotic potential that needs further evaluation in clinical trials was supported.