CNS effects of propranolol in man

Visual Evoked Potentials and background electroencephalograms, taken from the scalps of refractory chronic schizophrenic patients while on increasing doses of propranolol, initially showed increased activation. However, with further increases in dose level, this activation disappeared and the cortical activity returned to placebo level. Peripheral beta blockade once established, remained constant. These results suggest that the effect on the CNS is due to direct action rather than being the result of peripheral changes.