EFFECTS OF ATENOLOL AND PROPRANOLOL ON HUMAN-PERFORMANCE AND SUBJECTIVE FEELINGS

In a double-blind, double crossover experiment, 18 healthy young men received over 3-day periods either 100 mg atenolol, 80 mg propranolol, or placebo. The subjects underwent various motor and cognitive tests 18 h after each last dose had been taken. Propranolol significantly increased variability of a choice reaction-time task. Scores on various subjective rating scales showed that propranolol had a larger mood elevating effect than atenolol. Heart rate and blood pressure were significantly reduced 24 h after atenolol medication; these effects were absent or reduced after propranolol had been given. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.