Getting Off Atenolol - Anxiety Message Board

Matt321 · 07-08-2008, 09:45 AM

I was on Atenolol for over 8 months and it made me feel horrible without even knowing. I was unaware of my surroundings and had no drive if you will. People seemed to not enjoy my company and all of that jazz. I gained 20+ lbs from it and have realized now how dangerous a beta blocker can be.

I started to slowly taper off the Atenolol yesterday and I seem to be feeling more aware, more like myself again. More like a 17-18 year old starting college should.

The problem: I never got angry on the Atenolol, I mean NEVER. The past day and a half I have flipped a lid twice, one resolving with pretty harsh results.

Is this normal? I feel like I need to get in touch with myself all over again like I have been in a coma or something horrible.

Lindaru · 07-08-2008, 11:23 AM

My husband has been on Atenolol for years. Depression, irritability and anxiety as well as not wishing to engage in normal daily activities are listed side effects of this medication.

I would imagine changes in attitude or mood would occur when weaning off of the drug. If it gets really bad, call your doctor office and see what they recommend, but it is probably normal.

Hubby gets irritable and sometimes lethargic. The Atenolol might be the reason why but he is on several other medications as well.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

Lindaru

Matt321 · 07-08-2008, 12:44 PM

Thanks for the response, it turns out I have to get over acute (something) withdrawal that could last about a month

Wonder if I should call in sick :/

violet312s · 07-08-2008, 08:09 PM

Coming off a beta blocker is brutal. I came off 100mg Toprol twice a day down to 12.5mg once at night. It's horrible. Take it slowly...VERY slowly. Like over a two month period. The fastest you want before the next taper is 2 to 3 weeks.

Good luck! I hated the stuff too, plus it didn't work for my BP at all let alone anxiety.

Matt321 · 07-10-2008, 11:58 AM

I'm going to try life without medicine. thanks for the comment <3.

What's so bad of coming off of it faster?