Comparative Effects of Propranolol and Chlordiazepoxide in Anxiety States

Abstract

Propranolol is a β-adrenergic blocking drug and so relieves symptoms due to excessive adrenaline release, and in particular slows the pulse rate, even in normal subjects (Bollinger et al., 1965). Because of this, Granville-Grossman and Turner (1966) undertook a double-blind trial of propranolol against placebo, showing that it was effective in anxiety. The General Practitioner Research Group has used chlordiazepoxide in comparative trials to new drugs in the treatment of anxiety (G.P. Clinical Trials 1968), under grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Public Health Service (MY–4135 (CI), MH 0413–05 and PH 43–65–626). It was therefore decided to compare propranolol in like manner to chlordiazepoxide, in cases of anxiety neurosis seen in general practice.