Oxprenolol in the treatment of examination stress

In a double-blind preliminary study in 32 students exhibiting symptoms of examination stress, treatment with 80 mg oxprenolol daily or 4 mg diazepam daily were found to be equally effective in relieving anxiety and tension, as assessed by both students and physician. Although students on diazepam became significantly more confident of success than those on oxprenolol, their results were worse than expected. In contrast, students on oxprenolol did not gain in confidence and they were significantly more successful than anticipated by their tutors.