EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON HUMAN PSYCHOMOTOR PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Despite their widespread usage, the effect of .beta.-blockers on human performance was only sparsely studied and results of investigations are discrepant. The effect of one of the most commonly prescribed .beta.-adrenergic blocking drugs, propranolol, on psychomotor function was studied. To demonstrate the sensitivity of the test method and to provide some basis for comparison, the effect of small doses of Na amylobarbitone on psychomotor performance was also measured. Propranolol in a single dose of 40 mg evidently produces a small but significant decrement of performance, an effect comparable to that of 25 mg of Na amylobarbitone. Habituation to chronic administration of propranolol at a daily dose level of 120 mg is also apparent. The clinical significance of these effects, particularly in aviation medicine, was discussed.