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How to Improve Your Memory and Increase Your Intelligence Using the Latest Discoveries In Neuroscience

VOLUME 1 in the Smart Drugs Series

by Ward Dean, M.D. & John Morgenthaler 
$12.95 - 224 pages, softcover (Out of Stock)

Sec 5: Other Cognitive Enhancers

Propranolol Hydrochloride (Inderal)

Propranolol hydrochloride was for many years the most prescribed drug in the U.S. It is usually prescribed for the control of high blood pressure. However, it has one effect that in some situations can be thought of as intelligence-increasing.

Propranolol blocks the receptor site for adrenaline in the muscles. Adrenaline is often referred to as the "flight or fight" neurotransmitter. This means that fear (such as stage fright) can cause the body to release enormous amounts of adrenaline into the blood stream. This was a very effective biochemical strategy when most fear-producing situations called for fighting or fleeing. Unfortunately, fighting and fleeing are of little help when one is giving a presentation to the board of directors, taking an important exam, going out on a blind date, or attending a social gathering with important and intimidating strangers.

Fear causes the body to spiral into an ever-increasing loop: more adrenaline causes more fear, which causes more adrenaline, etc. Propranolol can help. Blocking adrenaline interrupts the fear spiral. So propranolol is an intelligence-increasing drug when used in situations where fear prevents one from thinking normally.

Propranolol has one more very interesting side effect: if it is used on three or four different occasions in a situation that normally causes fear, you may no longer need to use it in that situation. For example, you may have a new job that requires you to give weekly speeches. If the speeches are in the same room and the same people are there each time, you will probably not need propranolol after a month or so. If the fear situation involves new places and people, the effects of propranolol may not generalize this quickly, if at all.

Precautions: Propranolol lowers blood pressure. People with hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) should not use propranolol. Always take propranolol with food or it may cause nausea, especially if taken with just coffee. Do not use propranolol in situations where you may need extra adrenaline, such as athletic events or other activities requiring great physical exertion. Propranolol should not be used by people with asthma or arterial spasms. Propranolol should not be used by people within two weeks of having taken an MAO inhibitor or certain other drugs for psychiatric problems (check with your doctor) or during the pollen season, if you suffer from pollen allergies. Use with caution if you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema. If you are diabetic, you should be watched carefully by your doctor. Use cautiously if you have kidney or liver problems. The safe use of propranolol during pregnancy has not been established.

Dosage: 10 to 30mg one and a half hours before the event that usually causes a fear response. Propranolol can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach, especially if it is taken with coffee and no food.

Sources: Propranolol is available in the U.S.A. with a doctor's prescription. Keep in mind, however, that your doctor may not be familiar with the uses we have discussed. Propranolol can also be purchased over the counter in Mexico or by mail order from the sources listed in Appendix A (see page 165). Other names for propranolol include: Angilol, Apsolol, Avlocardyl, Bedranol, Beprane, Berkolol, Beta?Neg, Beta?Tablinen, Beta?Timelets, Cardinol, Caridorol, Deralin, Dociton, Dumo­pranol, Duranol, Efektolol, Elbrol, Euprovasin, Frekven, Inderal, Inderex, Indobloc, Intermigran, Kemi, Oposim, Prano?Puren, Propahexal, Prophylux, Propranur, Pylapron, Rapynogen, Sagittol, Sloprolol, Sumial, and Tesnol.

References:

Brantigan, C.O., Brantigen, T.A., Joseph, N. "The Effect of Beta Blockade on Stage Fright. A Controlled Study." Rocky Mountain Medical Journal. Sep-Oct 1979, 76 (5) pp. 227?33.

Foster, G.E., Evans, D.F., Hardcastle, J.D. "Heart-Rates of Surgeons During Opera­tions and Other Clinical Activities and Their Modification by Oxprenolol." The Lancet. June 24, 1978, pp. 1323?5.

Liden, S., Gottfries, C., "Beta-Blocking Agents in the Treatment of Catecholamine?Induced Symptoms in Musicians." The Lancet. August 31, 1974, p. 529.

Mason, D., Dyller, F. Pharmaceutical Dictionary & Reference New York: Playboy Paperbacks, 1982.

James, I.M., Pearson, R.M., Griffith, D.N.W., Newbury, P. "Effect of Oxprenolol on Stage?Fright in Musicians." The Lancet. November 5, 1977, pp. 952?4.

Pearson, D., Shaw, S. Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach. New York: Warner Books, 1982.