Controlled evaluation of the beta adrenoceptor blocking drug oxprenolol in anxiety.

An investigation of the effectiveness of the beta adrenoceptor blocking drug oxprenolol in the treatment of primary clinical anxiety is reported. A controlled double-blind evaluation of oxprenolol versus diazepam and placebo was carried out. The results of the trial showed diazepam to be generally more effective and to produce a more rapid onset of symptom reduction than oxprenolol. The role of beta adrenergic blocking drugs in the treatment of clinical anxiety and related syndromes is discussed.