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There are two broad categories of beta blockers: lipophilic, such as propranolol, and hydrophilic, such as atenolol. The lipophilic type has been reported to cause depression and cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients and normal volunteers. This trial compared the cognitive effects of propranolol and atenolol in 42 men (ages 35 to 64) with untreated diastolic blood pressures between 90 and 110 mm Hg. (The study was supported in part by companies that manufacture brands of propranolol and atenolol.)
After a three-week drug-free period, patients were randomized to receive propranolol-LA (one 80 mg tablet per day) or atenolol (one 50 mg tablet per day) for eight weeks. This was followed by another drug-free period, and eight weeks of tre…