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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
Effects of atenolol and propranolol on human performance and subjective feelings
Abstract:
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 24h after atenolol medication; these effects were absent or reduced after propranolol had been given.
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