The psychological side effects of acebutolol and atenolol

We have measured the psychological effects of acebutolol and atenolol in sixteen patients with essential hypertension. The drugs were administered in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind manner, in single daily doses of 100 mg atenolol, 400 mg acebutolol or placebo for periods of 6 weeks, each drug period being separated by a placebo period. At each 2 weekly clinic visit, a questionnaire designed for assessment of state anxiety and state arousal was administered for self-completion. Arousal was significantly reduced by atenolol over the whole 6 weeks of administration. It was not affected by acebutolol. Anxiety was significantly reduced by acebutolol but only at the first of the three 2 weekly assessments on treatment. It was not affected by atenolol. Differences in the psychological effects of these two beta-adrenoceptor blockers are discussed in terms of their lipid solubility and haemodynamic effects.