Hi....I was just curious...I know atenolol has alot of side effects, but Have any of you ever gotten an itchy red rash all over your body? I have that now, and nothing I use will releive the itch, and I am wondering if it could be the Atenolol....I have 95 percent of all the side effects listed with that pill, and everytime I complain to the doctor about it, his answer is simply "It's a good pill keep taking it" or "It has nothing to do with the pill" Which is Bogus, because there are side effects listed that he doesnt know about! UGH! Sometimes he gets me so frustrated...So if anybody out there has had that problem, let me know! THANKS!
Cathy

I had to get off atenolol because it had cut my sleep down to 3 hours a night...After qa mnonth of this I was the walking DEAD! (no rash though)

My personal feeling is that this class of drugs should NOT be used strictly for BP control without other cardiac sysmptoms that can benefit from the drastically lowered heart rate (where they do a VERY good job.)

Eventually, I think the medical profession will catch on that they're not worth the hassle they cause. This class of drugs was developed to battle angina before the age of catheterized arteial treatments...but they found the side effect of BP lowering and OFF THEY WENT...and the doctors like sheep prescribed and prescribed. Hang the patients that HATED the drugs. They were more profitable than diuretics and that's usually the FINAL CRITERIA!

Just once I want to hear a doctor speak honestly and say: "I'll prescribe this drug that doesn't work well but the markup is Phenomenol PLUS you'll have to come in very often for monitoring."

Or better yet:" Yes, that was a class of drugs I used to prescribe a lot but now I've found that I was hurting people and decided it was the wrong thing to do."

Cathy:

The only thing I want to add (in addition to what Zip told you) is that my physician, when I took Atenolol, told me "the way we are told to treat hypertensive patients is to push the dosage up until the patients starts to complain of symptoms." Heck, I always thought, lets push the dosage up until we achieve the desired effect and stop there. I didn't mind the beta blockers at all, my HR was in the 30s and 40s resting, but it was only the ED that caused me to abandon that whole class.

Cathy-
Adding to what Zip and Ubernier have already mentioned, skin rashes have been reported and associated with the use of beta blockers. It's not a common adverse reaction, but nevertheless, your doctor should definitely be at least considering the possibility that this is what's happening with you.

If your doctor is dismissing your discomfort... run, don't walk, to another physician!!!

zuzu xx

I have been on atenlolol for about 2 years. Never had any side effects like that. At first I was a little drowsy. But, after a couple of months I was back to normal.

I had to get off atenolol because it had cut my sleep down to 3 hours a night...After qa mnonth of this I was the walking DEAD! (no rash though)

My personal feeling is that this class of drugs should NOT be used strictly for BP control without other cardiac sysmptoms that can benefit from the drastically lowered heart rate (where they do a VERY good job.)

Eventually, I think the medical profession will catch on that they're not worth the hassle they cause. This class of drugs was developed to battle angina before the age of catheterized arteial treatments...but they found the side effect of BP lowering and OFF THEY WENT...and the doctors like sheep prescribed and prescribed. Hang the patients that HATED the drugs. They were more profitable than diuretics and that's usually the FINAL CRITERIA!

Just once I want to hear a doctor speak honestly and say: "I'll prescribe this drug that doesn't work well but the markup is Phenomenol PLUS you'll have to come in very often for monitoring."

Or better yet:" Yes, that was a class of drugs I used to prescribe a lot but now I've found that I was hurting people and decided it was the wrong thing to do."

I have posted in here before about ace inhibitors and beta blockers! I just cant take them!!I took captopril for years and as I got older I was having troubles with my walking , off balance and the kidneys were not functioning right!even had a kidney stone, Atenelol slows my heart beat too much cant sleep at night and weird dreams, also hair falls out!
After heart attack Drs still put me on Lisinipril and atenalol again, same problems.
It seems the isosorebide? gives me troubles now my bP is high again!(I have stopped the other ones mentioned.Has any one else had troubles with isosore sobite monitrtate?It never ends for me seems like!akjoha

The Doctor is considering taking me off of atenolol because of weight gain, and unknown causes of this mysterious rash I have---how can I safely get off of 50mg of atenolol if he does? Should I start taking a half a pill a day, and then take it every other day? I hope he explains all this to me, because I dont like the idea of just stopping it all together, I hear there are bad side effects to doing that. Anybody here ever stop atenolol before? Thanks
Cathy

You're doctor will tell you exactly how to start weaning. Everyone is different, and since your doctor knows you and your medical history better than anyone here on this board, I'm sure he'll explain carefully what you should do. If you have any confusion, ask him to write it down for you! You'll be fine, just don't experiment on your own.

zuzu xxx

PS Depending on your health and history, (and how long you've been on it) you may not have to wean at all.

Thanks, I Hope It Works...i'll Let You Know What He Said.
Cathy

This Is What He Said: Take 1/2 Tablet-every Day For A Week. Then Take A 1/2 Tablet Every Other Day. And Then Stop Completely. To Me This Sounds Like A Safe Way...whatcha Think? Of Course He Flat Out Denies That Atenolol Can Cause Weight Gain...but I Am Living Proof! As Far As My Whole Body Excema, He Said That I May Be Allergic To Some Part Of An Ingredient In The Atenolol...he Said If I Still Have Trouble With My Pulse That He Will Need To Change My Medicine To Something Like Propenol I Think He Said? I Am Hoping That I Can Control It On My Own. Without All This Water Gain And Swollen Legs And Ankles...my Legs Look Like A Road Map As It Is! Yesterday My Legs Looked Blue! He Goes: "yeah There A "bit" Swollen..." Never Once Mentioned Any Water Pill For Me....he Is Sending Me For A Complete Blood Count, Including My Thyroid...i Told Him That I Wanted Him To Send Me To A Dietician...i Have Been Writing Down Everything I Eat, Perhaps Finally I Can Get This Stubborn Weight Off...now For The Eczema....i Think I'm Stuck With That For Life. If Only I Can Stop Itching! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....thank God Its Friday. Ttys.
Cathy

Cathy,

You hinted at the way I weened off atenolol. I used propranolol for a couple weeks. Basically, it wears off after several hours so it doesn;t have the "addictive" potential of the longer lasting atenolol.

But your 1/2 pill a week and 1/4 pill a week will do the trick.

If he put you on the propranolol NOW instead of later, you won't have to bother with the atenolol weaning at all.

I agree, there should be a diuretic in your regimen with all that edema. If he doesn't mentiion it, then YOU mention it!

Cathy,

You hinted at the way I weened off atenolol. I used propranolol for a couple weeks. Basically, it wears off after several hours so it doesn;t have the "addictive" potential of the longer lasting atenolol.

But your 1/2 pill a week and 1/4 pill a week will do the trick.

If he put you on the propranolol NOW instead of later, you won't have to bother with the atenolol weaning at all.

I agree, there should be a diuretic in your regimen with all that edema. If he doesn't mentiion it, then YOU mention it!

THANKS FOR THE INFO. GLAD TO HEAR IT SHOULD BE SAFE. I CANT EVEN REMEMBER HOW MANY YEARS I HAVE TAKEN 25 MG FOR. BUT THEN I HAD TO MOVE UP TO 50...BECAUSE OF CONSTANT LIGHTHEADNESS...I AM HOPING THAT WITH A LOW SODIUM DIET, THRU A DIETICIAN, I CAN GET RID OF SOME OF THIS "WATER" WEIGHT. HE DID MENTION POPRANOLOL I WILL HAVE TO RESEARCH THAT. HOPEFULLY THAT WONT BOTHER ME AS WELL. YES, I THINK I WILL HAVE TO MENTION A WATER PILL IS THIS DOESNT HELP AT ALL. TTYL
CATHY

Hi everyone. I'm taking Atenolol now and I hate it. I can barely stay awake and at night can barely sleep. Right now I'm only taking 1/2 pill a day, 50 mg and it's making me feel like a zombie lol. I was on Labetalol but my Dr took me off of it, said it was too strong. Funny cause it didn't do this to me and I was only on it for 2 days.

hmmmm...they said it can cause drowsiness and diziness, but hey, there are a TON of side effects to that medicine. Trust me, I know. I have been on it for 5 years..UGH...I am finally getting off of it, after numerous problems...my doctor's wisdom-"It's a good pill, keep taking it"--we finally knocked some sense into his head, when it made me gain an awful amount of weight and swollen legs, that turned practically blue, and swollen ankles, etc.etc. Complain if it's driving you crazy, I did! I have never heard of Labetalol....any good? He said he may have to put me back on it...I HOPE Not...I am supposed to try to stay off it for a month, and see if I improve...but after so many years of taking it, I wonder myself how long its going to take to make me look normal again? Did he originally give you 100 mg?!! OUCH! Thank God Your only taking 50, perhaps he will switch you to 25 mg? Tell him to put you back on the Labetalol! Tell him your turning into dracula! You sleep in the day, and are awake at night! Sometimes doctors prescribe things but are unaware of the side effects! I have a PILL BOOK--it tells you everthing....and it tells you the truth! An Excellent Investment, located at your local pharmacy! Or book store! The problem with medicine, is it fixes one problem, and causes you a million others! Hope you feel better!!!
Cathy

Hi. I'm new to this posting. I've been on Norvasc and Atenolol since last August. While I haven't had swelling I gained over 20 pounds. I can't lose one pound even though I've been doing what I normally do to lose and keep off a few pounds. Eat sensibly and exercise. Absolutely no results. My doctor isn't listening to me. I was within 5 pounds of my ideal weight and when I started the meds my weight skyrocketed. Why can't I lose weight? I've taken myself down to only eating a light lunch and maybe a wholegrain cereal for dinner. I did switch to vegetarian food since moving in with my life-partner. But even still my partner maintains a great healthy weight. I am desparate for help and my doctor refuses to even listen to me.

Cathy,

The package insert in Atenolol specifically states to discontinue use if a rash occurs. It's not a good drug for you if you're allergic to it. Careful, though, I took 25mg of Atenolol once a day for over two years and had to wean off it very, very slowly. Cutting my dose caused me both extreme adrenalin rushes and chest pains. My blood pressure then freaked out for a couple of weeks. Please don't quit it cold turkey, as this can be fatal. Maybe it's time for you to see another doctor?

David,

You are unable to loose weight on Atenolol because it interferes with your body's ability to raise your heartrate during exercise while it also interferes with your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently, making you much less exercise tolerant. These are the main reasons athletes won't take Atenolol.

Hi David-Been There, Done That! Your doctor must be friends with mine! LOL! I gained alot of weight on atenolol too! Of course the doctor's answer was: "It's a good pill, keep taking it"....I dont think they know ALL of the side effects of atenolol. They will just tell you it causes tiredness and dizziness...but they dont go beyond that! Beta Blockers are NOTORIOUS for weight gain. I finally got the doctor to take me off of them because I had a bad rash all over my body, which incidentally turned into eczema. He told me to "Try it for a month" or he would put me back on them...I am not planning on it. As far as your weight goes, do this:
Follow Doctor Gotts, diet plan...very simple...his No flour, No sugar diet, works for anybody who has tried everything...Dont eat anything made with Flour or sugar. Basically, your actually not eating Enough! I used to do the same thing! I used to eat next to nothing, and well, basically Lost next to nothing! Just a month ago, I found out that I was allergic to Wheat, Dairy, Peanuts, Strawberries. and Oranges. So now My diet has completely changed...Basically all I eat is Meat, Chicken, (I'm still scared to eat fish!)Vegetables, and Fruit...I cant eat Bread, Pies, Cookies, chocolate, and all that GOOD STUFF...but my weight is dropping, finally...try eliminating all the things made with Flour and Sugar...it SHOULD Help...If you doctor doesnt listen to you....MOVE ON! Trust me, you dont need a doctor who doesnt listen to you! What are the side effects of Norvasc? Get yourself a Pill Book, and you will probably see that all the problems and things that you feel are a result from the pills...when you ask a doctor what the side effects are, they will tell you....Oh, just tiredness and dizziness....they NEVER Go beyond that! GOOD LUCK and keep me posted! I know how you feel, I have struggled with my weight since I got married, and started those pills..
I shot up to 200 pounds...and you know what my doctors answer was...he said that I am not "eating the right amounts" I measure everything!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR....wonder what the bum has to say now! I know it will take a while, with what, being on the pillls for over 6 years! UGH....How is your Blood Pressure when you go there? Are you like me? I have White Coat Hypertension...thus my blood pressure is always high when I go there! To get it down to a normal reading, just have a Cup of Chamomile Tea, A half of a bagel with Jelly, and A Banana...about 45 minutes before you go to the doctors, and your blood pressure will be normal..It may be a combination of both of those nasty pills! Well, good luck to you, and sorry for the long winded answer! LOL! Hope it helps a little!
Cathy

Let me add the DOOFIEST atenolol side-effect imaginable. I took 50 mg./day for December/January. My eyes almost instantly aged to the point where I couldn't read the paper without glasses. I'm lucky in that my near vision has remained pretty good in spite of advancing age. In fact, I really don't know anyone my age who can read without glasses.
BUT I never thought it could markedly deteriorate in a matter of 2 weeks.

Well, it CAN'T. Within a week of stopping the atenolol, the Dollar Store reading glasses went back into the desk and I can still read and thread a needle without glasses.
I conjecture that the miserable drug, which weakens all muscles, had JUST enough weakening of the teeny muscles that pull an aging eyeball into focus that proper focusing became impossible.

So for me the "slight" side effects included EXHAUSTION, COMPLETE INSOMNIA, FAST WEIGHT GAIN and BLINDNESS....nice, huh?

Is there anything it doesnt cause! Here's the List:IMPOTENCE, UNUSUAL TIREDNESS OR WEAKNESS, SLOW HEARTBEAT, HEART FAILURE, DIZINESS, BREATHING DIFFICULTIES, BRONCHOSPASM, DEPRESSION, CONFUSION, ANXIETY, NERVOUSNESS, AND SLEEPLESNESS, DISORIENTATION, SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, EMOTIONAL INSTABLILITY, COLD HANDS AND FEET, CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, NAUSEA AND VOMITING, UPSET STOMACH, INCREASED SWEATING, URINARY DIFFICULTY, CRAMPS, BLURRED VISION, RASH, HAIR LOSS, STUFFY NOSE, FACIAL SWELLING, ITCHING, CHESTPAIN, BACK OR JOINT PAIN, COLITIS, LIVER TOXICITY, AND CRONIC CONDITION OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUES....Nice, Huh?!
Cathy

i didn't know atenalol made you gain weight. i thougth it was something else i was taking. What other side effects does it have?

IMPOTENCE, UNUSUAL TIREDNESS OR WEAKNESS, SLOW HEARTBEAT, HEART FAILURE, DIZINESS, BREATHING DIFFICULTIES, BRONCHOSPASM, DEPRESSION, CONFUSION, ANXIETY, NERVOUSNESS, AND SLEEPLESNESS, DISORIENTATION, SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, EMOTIONAL INSTABLILITY, COLD HANDS AND FEET, CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, NAUSEA AND VOMITING, UPSET STOMACH, INCREASED SWEATING, URINARY DIFFICULTY, CRAMPS, BLURRED VISION, RASH, HAIR LOSS, STUFFY NOSE, FACIAL SWELLING, ITCHING, CHESTPAIN, BACK OR JOINT PAIN, COLITIS, LIVER TOXICITY, AND CRONIC CONDITION OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUES....Nice, Huh?!
Cathy :eek: :rolleyes:

Hi....I was just curious...I know atenolol has alot of side effects, but Have any of you ever gotten an itchy red rash all over your body? I have that now, and nothing I use will releive the itch, and I am wondering if it could be the Atenolol....I have 95 percent of all the side effects listed with that pill, and everytime I complain to the doctor about it, his answer is simply "It's a good pill keep taking it" or "It has nothing to do with the pill" Which is Bogus, because there are side effects listed that he doesnt know about! UGH! Sometimes he gets me so frustrated...So if anybody out there has had that problem, let me know! THANKS!
Cathy
:rolleyes: Boy doesn't it makes you angry. I too have been on a bp for for seven yrs, then switched. Now I'm back on it, it was ok for a whilebut now I am on it again, and today I have a red rash, eyes itching and welts all over my body. This drug is lisinopril and hctz (zestoric). My doctor also said the same thing, that the pill has nothing to do with the itching or rash. I told him i read on the nih.gov website that this was a serious side effect and I would go to er over the weekend. then he agreed to see tomorrow. I USED WD 40 TO RELIEVE MY ITCHING, IT REALLY WORKED...MY DR TOLD ME TO USE BENADRIL TO RELIEVE ITCHING, BUT I KNOW WD 40 WORKS,. GOOD LUCK.

Cathy,

Thank you so much! I thought I was going crazy! I appreciate the others insight as well. Including the the post stating it's not consdusive for exercising because it keeps your heart rate low. I'm definately going to find a new doctor. I guess I better go back on until then. I quit cold turkey right after I spoke to him last. My heart has been racing from time to time. I'll go take one now. I didn't know going cold turkey could be fatal. I'll keep checking back and keep you posted. If we don't stick together we won't get decent medical help. I have an appointment with my pulmonary doctor on the 29th for follow-up on my sleep apnea. Maybe he'll listen. Doubt it since he never returns my phone calls (or his assistant). The only pulmonary doctors in the state of Idaho are in that one office so I guess they figure they can get away with lousy service and charge 400 bucks a visit. Yeesh!

Your welcome David-I dont know why they become doctors if they dont listen to their patients. I have to change my doctor, too. $$$$400.00 a VISIT!!! Geesh! I was shocked when my allergist charged 225.00! No, your not going crazy. My heart has been racing like crazy lately, and I'm afraid I will have to go back on them soon. I would like to try the 25 mg again, but refuse to go back up to 50 mg. My diet used to be really horrible. Me and my husband used to eat Chinese Food, Steak and Cheese Sandwiches, Subway, Pizza, Fried Mozzarella, Macaroni, etc....I think after all those years, 7 of them....My body needs a major overhaul! I dont know how long it will take to get down to what I used to be! I cant wait to start swimming and walking again. Yesterday my blood pressure was 130/98 and my pulse was 101...Yes, whatever you do, dont stop cold turkey! The way he weaned me off of them was 1/2 pill every day, and then 1/2 pill every other day....but ever since then it has been hard to control...be careful...I dont like to try new pills. I dont know what's in them, and how they will react to my body, and what the side effects are. I am hoping once I reach my goal weight, or at least half of it, my heart wont work so hard to pump. Good luck to you, and yes, keep us posted. We can stick together!
Cathy

:rolleyes: Boy doesn't it makes you angry. I too have been on a bp for for seven yrs, then switched. Now I'm back on it, it was ok for a whilebut now I am on it again, and today I have a red rash, eyes itching and welts all over my body. This drug is lisinopril and hctz (zestoric). My doctor also said the same thing, that the pill has nothing to do with the itching or rash. I told him i read on the nih.gov website that this was a serious side effect and I would go to er over the weekend. then he agreed to see tomorrow. I USED WD 40 TO RELIEVE MY ITCHING, IT REALLY WORKED...MY DR TOLD ME TO USE BENADRIL TO RELIEVE ITCHING, BUT I KNOW WD 40 WORKS,. GOOD LUCK.

WOW! See! They all do that! And doesnt it clearly say, Tell your doctor imediately if you experiece any of the following symptoms?! But do they care?! NO!!! I tell you, they only know the two Typical Side effects, dizziness and fatigue...Right now I am listening to the sound of a stupid bird flying into our glass window REPEATEDLY!!! He doesnt give UP!! LO!L WD 40!!! That's really weird! I would have never thought to use that!!! Whatever works!! Good Luck!
Cathy

I've been on atenolol now for a little over a month now and I still get so tired when I'm just walking around in Wal-Mart or anyplace like that. Earlier today I had to lay down just to get my energy built back up to get back out. Should I stop taking this and go to something else?? Info would be appreciated :bouncing: Tx :)

Cathy,

I didn't know going cold turkey could be fatal.

Whoooaaaaa!!. Did I just see you say "fatal" or is my vision just acting up again?. I've been off and on Atenolol for awhile and I can certainly relate to all the side effects but I DID go off of it cold-turkey and had some problems. Is it really *that* bad when you go off of it suddenly and what does/can it do to you ?. Should I get back on it again and then taper off slowly? (I was doing 50mg per day for maybe a week the last time).

Yes! Dont do that! Some Complications are:
Chest Pain, Breathing Difficulties, increased sweating, and unusually fast or slow hearbeat, and Angina.
To wean off of it-is 1/2 pill a day for a week, and 1/2 pill, every other day for a week.
Dont stop suddenly! You may feel like your having a heart attack!
Cathy

I've been on atenolol now for a little over a month now and I still get so tired when I'm just walking around in Wal-Mart or anyplace like that. Earlier today I had to lay down just to get my energy built back up to get back out. Should I stop taking this and go to something else?? Info would be appreciated :bouncing: Tx :)


Yes.. That is just one of the MANY Side Effects of Atenolol. Tell your doctor you cant handle it, and hopefully he will change the pills...He will have to wean you off the pills...1/2 pill a day for a week, and 1/2 pill every other day for a week...unless he gives you something to take right away, then you can just switch.
Cathy

Cheese man,

That "fatal" is a RARE side effect and would occur very very soon after stoping cold turkey (a day or two).
Now that things have settled for you DON'T go back on it. You're safe now.
Going back on to ween off would be like a heroin addict who's been clean for a month finding out that the cold-turkey he did could have killed him and STARTING again so he could wean off when hooked again.

The killer with atenolol removal is either tachycardia so bad it results in heart failure, or BP so high that it blows a blood vessel in the brain (stroke.)

So far for me it hasn't been that bad.... much better than Toprol. My B/P has been a little higher, but I don't feel as tired, cold or any of the other side-effects that I did from Toprol. My B/P has increased on average from 120/71 to around 125/75, but I don't care..... no problems with my girlfriend either.... On Toprol it was much worse.

Yes.. That is just one of the MANY Side Effects of Atenolol. Tell your doctor you cant handle it, and hopefully he will change the pills...He will have to wean you off the pills...1/2 pill a day for a week, and 1/2 pill every other day for a week...unless he gives you something to take right away, then you can just switch.
Cathy

Thank you for your post, Randygirl :) I do think I should just go on something else. I'll speak with my Dr about it next week.

I have been on atenolol 50 mg. for about 9 months. I convinced my Dr. to change my medication to vasotec (an ace inhibitor) because I gained weight and am tired all the time.
My dr. has me weaning off the atenolol by cutting the pill in half and taking 1/2 pill for a week, and then the last 2 days of the week(day 6 and 7) he said to start taking the vasotec with the 1/2 a pill. He did not say to take 1/2 every other day for the second week - only 1/2 a pill for one week, and then done, and start taking vasotec. I am scared that this weaning isn't enough, but he said it is.
Has anyone gone from a beta blocker to ace inhibitor like this sucessfully?

Thanks

Laura,

You'll be fine....at least until the hacking cough of the vasotec sets in...
Aren't these drugs FUN! :D:D

Geesh..pills suck dont they!! If its not one thing it's another! I love those commercials that say: Side effects are generally mild and may include: Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, and diarrhea.....and THAT they call mild???!! They crack me up all the time! If you have a pill book, the thing will scare you!
Ok, this is what it says about Vasotec:
Diziness, Fatigue, headache, nausea, and chronic cough. Then there are the ones they call Less Common, but usually happen anyways with long term use! Hope you dont get too tired with this one...I think all these crazy blood pressure pills cause tiredness...but it doesnt say anything about weight gain...so your lucky, there...
GOOD LUCK! And if you have any more concerns, just ask! You can call me the "Pill Book" Lady! LOL! TTYS
Cathy

I am new to this post, but have been reading what the rest of you are
experiencing. My only complaints with atenolol is the tiredness. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat... and sleep sound as a rock all night...
and then the weight gain.. I have gained 15 pounds in the four months that I have been taking this medicine. I have actually cut back on my calories and have been trying to eat healthier....So now I am drinking water like it is going out of style, hoping to get a few of these pounds off... I am taking 50mg 2x a day..... :yawn:

There's one that causes anorexia? Hey, sign me up!!! All I have wanted to do the last two weeks is EAT. What is up with that?

I have had no problems sleeping (give me 30 seconds of peace and quiet and I am out cold), no problems with sluggishness (well, no more than what is usual for a chronically sleep deprived and overextended person!), no problems with urination/diarrhea/constipation/blahblahblah nothing.

But I am STARVING all the time.

I have also noticed that my wedding ring which until 2-3 weeks ago was nearly two sizes too big is too tight and I am getting very deep indentation marks from my sock elastic which I never had before...not even when I was huge and pregnant. I take metoprolol 25 mg once a day...has anyone else had problems with weight gain from water retention while taking that? I have never taken off my wedding rings except to clean the stones and don't want to end up having it cut off my hand....this swelling stuff totally blows.

Any ideas?

Lots of Blood Pressure Pills cause Water Retention...you are on a very mild form, the usual dosage for that medicine is 100-to 450 mg. a day. This medicine shouldnt give you "heart failure" like the atenolol does...(Swelling of the ankles, legs, or feet) but this medication does give you facial swelling, among other things, that you dont describe...try talking to your doctor, water retention is the worst...as far as your starving all the time, try eating 6 small meals a day...It is better than 3 big meals. To get rid of water retention, try a few cups of Chamomile Tea...and drink lots of water.
Chamomile, is a natural diuretic...he may want to prescribe you water pills with that pill...Good Luck, and yeah, swelling does "blow"! Been there, done that! Talk to your doctor, as swelling of the ankles isnt anything for him to not care about...
Cathy

I am new to this post, but have been reading what the rest of you are
experiencing. My only complaints with atenolol is the tiredness. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat... and sleep sound as a rock all night...
and then the weight gain.. I have gained 15 pounds in the four months that I have been taking this medicine. I have actually cut back on my calories and have been trying to eat healthier....So now I am drinking water like it is going out of style, hoping to get a few of these pounds off... I am taking 50mg 2x a day..... :yawn:


Keep an eye on the scale...if you gain two pounds a day, or 5 pounds a week...tell your doctor..as that is one of the cautions of taking atenolol, that tells you to tell your doctor immediately..while most doctor's deny that it even happens, you can prove it to him by going into the atenolol site and printing it out...http://www.drugs.com/atenolol.html
This is what it says:
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atenolol and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives);
· wheezing or shortness of breath;
· an unusually slow or irregular heart beat;
· swelling of your feet and/or lower legs;
· leg pain or cramping;
· sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week);
· chest (heart) pain;
· cold or blue feet and hands; or
· skin rash.
Hope this Helps! Good Luck! And if your doctor doesnt listen to you...make him read this! TTYL
Cathy

Well, I talked to her and she said I could switch if I wanted to, so I asked what she would recommend I go on and she put me on Norvasc, once a day, but I do have to wean off the Atenolol for about 2 weeks. So I hope this helps.

I was surfing the net and found you guys...:wave: My problem is that I have been losing my hair. I researched Atenelol and found that to be a side effect. So...I asked my doctor about it, and he said, yes...that "could" be a side effect of this medication, but he guaranteed I wouldn't go "clear" bald. I asked him how this medication was going to figure out that I was "almost" bald, but not "clear" bald :dizzy: He thought that questions was immensely funny, but didn't give me an answer. Hey...let him go home and tell his wife she needs to take a pill that will make her lose her hair, but she won't be completely bald! I am weaning myself off of this nasty stuff and he will just have to reasses my medication. I am also taking Norvasc

I don't know about you, but taking medication that made me go bald--clear or otherwise--is enough to give me high blood pressure all over again!

I took Atenolol for nearly two years before I discovered the reason why it made me feel so awfully bad at just 25 mg. I didn't need it. The weaning process was long and horrible, but I'd be happy the comfort you along the way if you want.

Well, it was certainly tripping my trigger. I was having panic attacks....anxiety and depression are other side effects of this medication. I don't know if the medication was causing the panic attacks or the fact that my hair is falling out. But...I'm not going to go bald without a fight....I am weaning off of this medication as we speak. I'm going to have him seriously take a second look at the Norvasc also.

Deanna Q,

Finding a doctor who listens might ease your mind. Never underestimate the Healing Power of Trust in the doctor/patient relationship (and please, let me know if you ever find it) ;-).

I see Atenolol is causing more heartache :mad: . Seriously this drug should be banned.

I took for 3 months and gained over three stone in that time, had severe depression, couldn't get out of bed, showered once a week as I had no energy (had to sit on a chair while showering), had nightmares, mood swings.... and the list goes on. I was in a terrible state. I had to leave university. I ended up with debts due to being unable to work. I went to my GP who wasn't interested.

I went total cold turkey one day and I feel wonderful now. I have been receving ACUPUNCTURE/CHINESE HERBS and my BP is now in the region of 130/80 ish and I am happy with that. I have lost so much weight and my GP is confused by the drop in my BP.

I can only but URGE people to try alternative medicine. Doctors in the West only want to throw pills at you that cause more heartache than anything else. I am so glad I didn't take Ramipril as recommended to me. I am glad I went cold turkey and I have nothing but pity for people who have lived years of misery due to these so called 'wonder drugs'.

Christine

I'm on Norvasc "and" Atenolol....I've cut my Atenolol down to half, but don't seem to be able to get off it.......not yet anyway. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, maybe I can get some help then. He doesn't seem to take me seriously about my hair, although he admits that this medication does have that side effect. I'll bet he listens when he sees my haircut this time. I had an skillful "comb over" before...have an extreme cut this time...we'll see if he's as shocked and my grandkids were when they saw me today. I still have a skillful comb over, but it's shorter than I have ever worn my hair...I should wet it down when I go in for the appointment..."that' would get his attention.:D

Your doctor would listen if HIS hair started falling out!

If I were you--and I've been there--I'd do some research, ask questions, and stand your ground. I would not take a drug that made my hair fall out unless we're talking about a matter of life or death drug with no alternatives. I'd also seek a doctor who is more sensitive to my needs and who listens to my concerns.

It's ok to tell a doctor, "NO! I won't take this anymore because of (fill in concern here)" and to ask, "What else is available for me?"

That's what's going to happen tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on what I find out....

My husband has been taking Atenolol for about 5 years and has also developed severe eczema. He's been prescribed a series of steroid creams which work for a short period but then the effectiveness will taper off. Thank you for your postings on this possible side effect b/c we've never considered that it could be caused by the Atenolol and will certainly talk to his doctor about this.

I am also concerned about Atenolol and possible side effects. My concern is the drug is prescribed for someone with truely catastrophic food allergies, and the only reason this person is alive is because of constant vigilance about what they eat. I have read in several places that this drug will increase allergic reactions to a dangerous degree. I am in the unenviable position as a non medical person trying to evaluate which is more deadly; unmedicated prolonged q-t syndrome (the drop dead during sports heart problem) or even more horrifyingly life threatening food allergy reactions. Even the amount of cows milk in chewing gum is enough to set off a reaction, pre-beta blockers.

Any thoughts are much appreciated.
K8ee

wow i just read all the way back to the begginning all the posts on side effects of atenolol. scary. they just increased my husbands dose to 50 twice a day-he was on 25 once a day. he's now got skin peeling all over his fingers and palms-we never even thought to relate it to atenolol. the dermatologist said it was a reaction to medication but we couldn't figure out which one!!
at this point (he had angioplasty and three stents inserted last month) they've also put him on zetia and diovan-he's almost always cold and even though they took him off of lipitor (bc of leg weakness)he is still having the weakness-I wonder if the higher dose of atenolol is doing this. also they tried ace inhibitors-forget it- he nearly choked on those-they caused him to cough so badly and his mouth was so dry and so choky it was scary to watch him!! anyway thanks for this board-all yoour posts are really appreciated!:wave:

There is no doubt in "my" mind that his weakness could come from Atenelol...it lowers a person's pulse rate drastically. I "did" have a talk with my doctor and I may change doctors because he was so nasty about it. He feels that if it is working the keep the blood pressure down, that's all that matters...NOT! I saw that I was determined, so he said to cut back my dose...I had already done that myself. He added a fluid pills and said to but back on the Ateolol until I was off it...he wasn't happy at all about this. I'm going to give it a try and then talk to the clinic about changing doctors at some point. He was very busy the day I talked to him and got a little impatient with me. He doesn't seem to think losing my hair is all that big a deal...well, it is to me. I have another appointment with him in about a month and by that time, I should have be able to work myself off of the Atenolol. My pressure "is" more erratic with the lower does, but hey...I can't believe there isn't a medication out there that will do what it is supposed to do without "all" the side affects. I'm just so upset about this whole thing and that doesn't help blood pressure matters any.

I had some misspelling and words wrong on the above post...I'm tired. But..I think everyone could make out what I was trying to say....I hope

I'm new to this site & I'm horrified about all the bad things written about Atenolol. I've been on it for about 6 months (25 mg). My blood pressure was as high as 160/90 but then it came down a bit. The doctor says that I shouldn't take a chance with the BP and by putting me on such a small dose, that it wouldn't effect me a bit. I'm a marathon runner & a vegetarian and all my ekg & kidney tests came back normal. I can't understand why I'm on this medication. I don't know if I have all the side effects that everyone lists, but come to think of it, I feel like I'm having more difficulty breathing when I pick up the pace when running. I've always had a super flat stomach and now I feel like I have a little bit extra that I've never had. I hate all the things I read about this drug & I'm making an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. I don't want to take this drug anymore. I know that 25mg is not a big dose, but I wish I never started taking this drug. Does anyone know of any alternative natural herbs that can help with a little hypertension. :eek:

I don't know of any alternative drugs for blood pressure...and it's nothing to experiment with. But..there "are" alternatives to Atenolol. I'm having a terrible time getting off of it. You can't just stop cold turkey. I was taking 50 mg. and I cut it down to 25 mg. Now I'm taking half of that (can't you just see me breaking those pills into fourths?) The doctor game me a fluid pill which I knew for quite some time that I was needing. The hair loss just sort of sneaked up on me...wish I had noticed it sooner. I have a friend who is a small woman and had never had a weight problem. She started on Atenolol and put on twenty five pounds in about six months. Again, we never thought of the Atenolol causing the problem, we thought she was just getting older. She worked hard and has taken the weight off and she is still on Atenolol, but has to watch very carefully what she eats. My pulse rate was running in the forties. Her doctor told her that was dangerous...my doctor didn't seem to be worried about it. All blood pressure medications have side effects, some just worse than others. I think many doctors prescribe Atenolol because it is cheap....and, maybe some people get along with it better than I have. I recently changed hair dressers and the one I am now going to has had the same problem with her hair and Atenolol that I am having. I asked her if she was going to quit taking it and she said, "No..that it was cheap and it was keeping her blood pressure down." Her hair has thinned, but that doesn't seem to worry her, but it hasn't gotten to the point that mine has. I "am" going to get off of it, but it is going to take longer than I was planning. Yes, it causes shortness of breath.

This is an update on what we have been talking about. I just "had it out' with my doctor. I told him I needed to get off of Atenelol and that's all there was to it. He said, "You can always wear a wig." I told him I didn't "want' to wear a wig. He sort of looked off into space and said, "My wife would probably react that way also." But...the conversation deteriorated from there. I told him I wasn't going to set there and listen to him telling me he wouldn't prescribe something else and that I was going to leave...and, to, by the way, not charge me for that visit. He said, "Now, you're just being irrational." I then told him he was mean. He said, "I am not mean...I get along with everyone." I said, "I'm going to get another doctor." He said, "Be my guest." Now, looking back on that one, it "is" a little funny. Bottom line, he gave me a hug and prescribed different medications for me and said it would be a while before my hair started growing back. Well, I "knew" that wasn't going to happen over night, but I also know I shouldn't have had to go through all of this to have my medication changed. While on vacation, I ended up in a strange emergency room in the boondocks somewhere and had an abnormal EKG (still on Atenelol) at this point. Friday I am scheduled for a stress test. Hey, it there "was" another doctor in town, I'd go to him in a heartbeat. But...this doctor carries some clout in our area and I don't think another doctor would take me...I'd have to go out of town. He "did" prescribe a different med, so I am going to hang in and see what happens now. This all sounds like science fiction, doesn't it?

No, it doesn't sound like science fiction. It sounds ike a too-usual experience.

I loved the line in the start of this thread about Phenomenol. (I know I have taken that). I want to switch to Unobtanium! ;)

~Susan

Wow. I'm glad I read all these side effects about Atenolol. I was just prescribed this med and wanted to research it first BEFORE I took it, since I always seem to get the worst side effects from these meds.

Thanks to everyone for posting about this med.

Before you wrote about the hair loss, I wasn't aware Atenolol could cause it. Since then, I read that it's considered a serious side effect. I think you have every right to be angry and that your doctor is irrational and inhumanely insensitive. I also think he's dangerous. I wonder if he knows that iatrogenic events are the number one cause of death in the U.S.

Before you wrote about the hair loss, I wasn't aware Atenolol could cause it. Since then, I read that it's considered a serious side effect. I think you have every right to be angry and that your doctor is irrational and inhumanely insensitive. I also think he's dangerous. I wonder if he knows that iatrogenic events are the number one cause of death in the U.S.