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Propranolol in Schizophrenia

II. Clinical and Biochemical Aspects; of Combining Propranolol with Chlorpromazine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

M. Peet ,
D. N. Middlemiss  and
R. A. Yates
M. Peet
Affiliation:
ICI Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division, and Clinical Assistant, Parkside Hospital, Macclesfield, Cheshire and St Edward's Hospital, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire
D. N. Middlemiss
Affiliation:
Clinical Research and Bioscience Departments, ICI Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 9TG
R. A. Yates
Affiliation:
Clinical Research and Bioscience Departments, ICI Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 9TG
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Summary

Ten hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients were given chlorpromazine alone and chlorpromazine plus high dose propranolol in two 7-week treatment periods according to a randomized crossover design. In the six patients who completed the whole study, plasma levels of chlorpromazine and chlorpromazine sulphoxide, total serum levels of neuroleptic and serum levels of prolactin were consistently and significantly elevated during treatment with chlorpromazine plus propranolol relative to levels during treatment with chlorpromazine alone. These effects are sufficient to explain previously reported clinical improvement in schizophrenic patients given propranolol in addition to neuroleptics.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 139 , Issue 2 , August 1981 , pp. 112 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1981 

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