Cardiovascular effects of propranolol in patients with alcohol dependence during withdrawal.

The cardiovascular effects of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (40 mg) were compared in 20 alcohol-dependent subjects during alcohol withdrawal syndrome (WS; n=10) on days 1, 2, 3, and 10 to those during remission (n=10; 50 +/- 7.7 days). Significant differences were observed in negative chronotropic and hypotensive effects during withdrawal compared to remission. The initial level of hemodynamics prior to propranolol administration was the most important factor modifying the drug responses. The amount of daily consumption of alcohol also predicted to some extent the effects of propranolol. The WS-related changes in peripheral and central beta-adrenergic system were most likely responsible for the differences in propranolol actions.