Propranolol in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA) in schizophrenics: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Studied 20 male schizophrenics (aged 22–53 yrs) with neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA). Ss were treated for more than 5 days with benztropine without improvement in NIA. 10 Ss received 2 days of placebo, followed by 5 days of propranolol; the remaining 10 Ss received 2 days of propranolol, followed by 5 days of placebo. Ss were rated before treatment, after completion of the 1st treatment phase, and at the end of the crossover phase. Data support previous reports (e.g., L. Adler at al [1985, 1986]) of propranolol's beneficial effect in patients with NIA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)