Comparative Effects of Nebivolol and Metoprolol on Female Sexual Function

This protocol is designed to compare the effects two beta blockers, nebivolol (Bystolic) 5-10
mg daily with metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) 100-200 mg daily on sexual function in
post-menopausal women with high blood pressure. The study is composed of 2 treatment phases.
At baseline subjects are randomized to either nebivolol 5 mg once daily or metoprolol
succinate 100 mg once daily. After randomization, subjects are treated for 12 weeks with
double blind therapy. Following double-blind therapy subjects enter a 2-week washout phase
and are subsequently switched to the alternate therapy.

After 4 weeks (visits 3 and 7) of double-blind treatment with either nebivolol 5 mg once
daily or metoprolol succinate 100 mg once daily subjects will be evaluated and the need for
dosage titration assessed. If blood pressure is not at goal the dosage of study medication
will be doubled to nebivolol 10 mg once daily or metoprolol succinate 200 mg once daily. If
blood pressure remains uncontrolled after 8 weeks of double blind treatment with study
medication open label amlodipine 5 mg will be initiated (visits 4 and 8) at the discretion of
the principal investigator. During double blind treatment subjects will be evaluated in
clinic every 4 weeks.

The primary efficacy variable is the change from baseline in Changes in Sexual Functioning
Questionnaire (CSFQ) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

The primary study objective is to determine whether nebivolol causes fewer sexual side
effects compared with metoprolol succinate and if nebivolol improves FSF in women. FSF will
be assessed with the above questionnaires-FSFI and CSFQ.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Over the age of 40 years

2. Postmenopausal (according to self report of 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea, serum
FSH concentrations greater than 40 international units/L, or surgical history
consistent with menopause)

3. In a stable monogamous relationship with a male partner for at least 6 months

4. History of hypertension, treated or untreated

5. Requirement for the initiation of an anti-hypertensive agent OR addition of another
anti-hypertensive medication (according to the principal investigator and based on
clinical judgment) OR patients requiring monotherapy with an anti-hypertensive that
wish to participate in the study and are willing to undergo a two week wash-out of
current anti-hypertensive therapy

6. Provide written informed consent prior to participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Properly measured clinic SBP > 170 mmHg

2. Advanced AV block

3. Severe hepatic disease

4. Heart rate < 55 beats/min (and not currently on beta blocker therapy)

5. Pregnancy or lactation

6. Heart failure with ejection fraction less than 0.40

7. History of myocardial infarction

8. History of Raynaud's syndrome

9. Patients with alcoholism or recreational drug use will be excluded due to concerns
about the ability to comply with the study requirements.

10. Major psychiatric disorder not well controlled with treatment

11. Spinal cord injury

12. Severe respiratory disease, which in the opinion of the investigator contraindicates
BB treatment

13. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (≥ 9%)

14. Persistent arrhythmia