Psychiatric uses of antiadrenergic and adrenergic blocking drugs

Most clinicians are aware of the unwanted behavioral effects which may accompany the use of drugs that affect noradrenergic functioning in the treatment of hypertension. However, it is not generally appreciated by psychiatrists that these drugs have many potential therapeutic uses in psychiatry and are potent adjuncts to traditional psychotropic drugs. When administered appropriately by a psychiatrist, antiadrenergic and adrenergic blocking drugs can be used for treatment of disorders of thought, mood, anxiety, and movement. This paper reviews the pharmacology of four of these medications. The literature is reviewed for each drug. Although the mechanisms of action of these antihypertensives differ, their common effects on noradrenergic functioning often result in behavioral changes.