Question

The β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (20-20 mg/kg) is prescribed to around 50% of maniac patients receiving Lithium is to mitigate the side effect:

• A. Anxiety
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Tremor

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about the reason why the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol is prescribed to about 50% of manic patients receiving Lithium. Let's break down the problem:

1. Understanding the medication:
   • Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker commonly used to manage heart-related issues, anxiety, and certain types of tremors.
   • Lithium is a mood stabilizer frequently used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. A significant side effect of Lithium is the development of tremors in patients.
2. Analyzing the options provided:
   • Anxiety: While propranolol can help manage anxiety, this is not a typical side effect of Lithium that necessitates additional medication.
   • Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is a potential side effect of propranolol, not something propranolol is used to mitigate.
   • Hypertension: Propranolol can be used to treat hypertension, but Lithium is more commonly associated with tremors than with hypertension.
   • Tremor: A well-known side effect of Lithium is that it can induce tremors. Propranolol is often prescribed to counteract this specific side effect due to its efficacy in reducing tremors.
3. Conclusion: Based on the analysis above, propranolol is prescribed to manage tremors in patients receiving Lithium. This aligns with the best-known use of propranolol in conjunction with Lithium therapy.

Therefore, the correct answer is Tremor.