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Randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparison of propranolol and betaxolol in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia.

Author(s): Dumon JP, Catteau J, Lanvin F, Dupuis BA

Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Lille, France.

Publication date & source: 1992-05, Am J Psychiatry., 149(5):647-50.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: Beta-blocking agents, particularly propranolol, are considered effective in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia, but considerable controversy exists about the involved receptor subtype(s). The authors conducted a randomized, controlled trial comparing the effects of propranolol and betaxolol to determine whether central beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade is sufficient to correct neuroleptic-induced akathisia. METHOD: The subjects were 19 patients whose neuroleptic-induced akathisia responded to 20 mg/day of propranolol and subsequently reemerged during a placebo washout period. They were randomly assigned to propranolol (20 or 40 mg/day) or betaxolol (10 or 20 mg/day) and, after another placebo period, were switched to the second beta blocker. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the antiakathisia effects of propranolol and betaxolol. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of difference between propranolol and betaxolol suggests that beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade is sufficient to improve neuroleptic-induced akathisia. The results of this explanatory study need therapeutic confirmation.

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