Could a common heart drug ease surgery risks for PTSD patients?

NCT ID NCT01555554

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether taking propranolol, a beta blocker, before and after surgery can reduce complications like delirium, kidney problems, and pain in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants are veterans scheduled for certain surgeries and will take the drug or a placebo for 14 days. The goal is to see if calming the body's stress response can lead to better surgical outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Propranolol (a beta blocker)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to improve surgical recovery and reduce complications for people with PTSD.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial, so results may not apply to everyone. Propranolol can cause side effects like low blood pressure and fatigue.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • San Francisco VA Medical Center

    San Francisco, California, 94121, United States