Propranolol in experimentally induced stress.

The beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking drug, d,l-propranolol, was compared with placebo for relief of experimentally induced anxiety. Subjects were chosen on the basis of having high levels of trait anxiety. Stress was induced experimentally by two performance tests. Single 40-mg doses of propranolol significantly slowed the heart rate, suggesting a satisfactory pharmacologic effect of the drug. The treatment was not superior to placebo, however, on any other measure. The experimental model used had clearly demonstrated an antianxiety effect of single 5-mg doses of diazepam. Propranolol at the dose used had little effect on psychic anxiety as determined by this model.