Compulsive water drinking treated with high dose propranolol

J Nerv Ment Dis. 1980 Apr;168(4):246-8. doi: 10.1097/00005053-198004000-00011.

Abstract

A patient with recurrent, life-threatening water intoxication secondary to compulsive water drinking is described. This patient responded well to nearly 1 g of propranolol daily with a decrease in her drinking behavior, reduced sensation of thirst, and a reduction in her delusional thinking. The rationale for the choice of propranolol with this patient is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Compulsive Behavior / drug therapy*
  • Compulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Drinking / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Recurrence
  • Schizophrenia, Paranoid / complications
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Sodium / blood
  • Water Intoxication / drug therapy
  • Water Intoxication / psychology

Substances

  • Sodium
  • Propranolol