Prolonged delirium with propanolol

J Clin Psychiatry. 1979 Apr;40(4):198-9.

Abstract

Propanolol use can result in a severe toxic psychosis. In this case, mild perceptual errors progressed eventually to a severe confusional state over a period of 6 months. Life threatening cardiac symptoms forced the continuation of propanolol until the bundle of His was surgically severed. Despite the prolonged delirium, the patient showed complete clearing of sensorium within 2 weeks after cessation of the drug. The differential diagnosis of delirium in the cardiac patient needs to include consideration of propanolol use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
  • Auditory Perception / drug effects
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / drug therapy
  • Orientation / drug effects
  • Propranolol / adverse effects*
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Visual Perception / drug effects

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Propranolol