Action of Propranolol in Mania: Comparison of Effects of the d- and the l-stereoisomer

Abstract
The antimanic action of high doses of the .beta.-receptor blocking agent propranolol was studied using a double-blind placebo controlled ABA design. For comparison, the d-stereoisomer (which is practically devoid of .beta.-blocking activity) was used. There were 6 trials with d-propranolol and 6 with the racemic mixture. From dose-effect relations it seems that the d-stereoisomer is about half as effective against manic syndromes as the racemic mixture. Apparently the antimanic action of propranolol is partially due to a mechanism independent of its .beta.-blocking action.