I have just come off beta blockers and was wondering if anyone else needed several weeks for their body to fully adjust to stopping, as well as the recommended 3 week tail-off period. I've been on beta blockers since August 2004 - atenolol 50 mg. - because of angina. I was left on atenolol even though this chest pain was actually sorted in April 2005 when I had an angioplasty & stents. No chest pain at all since then. Brilliant!

At clinic a few weeks ago I asked if I could stop the atenolol as the side effect of colder hands is a major problem for me. I have a nerve condition on my right side which gives me a painful cold hand/arm anyway so taking atenolol just makes things worse. The doctor was happy for me to do this but said cut down to 25mg for 2-3 weeks then come off it completely, and go back on it if I get symptoms. I assume he meant the symptom of angina returning as I have never had high b.p. anyway.

I followed the slow-stopping instructions and I've been off it totally for about 10 days and feel fine but have noticed my heart rate faster so I took my b.p. and I'm getting mild high blood pressure type readings.

What I want to know is can this just be a bit of a reaction to coming off the atenolol, and given a few more weeks might it all settle down? Obviously my body has got used to the drug and is bound to protest a bit. Has anyone else noticed this kind of reaction to stopping it and did it settle down eventually? I don't want to give up and go back on it too soon. And if I consult my doctor they will just say go back on it as that will be the easiest solution for them.

I want to persevere and adjust to being off it but just wondered how long to give it. Any ideas? Thanks.

I tapered 50mgs Atenolol to 25mgs, I also had rebound tachycardia (spelling) the rapid heart rate, takes a bit to go down. But my doctor told me in advance to except this, but I continued to monitor it while on 25mgs before doing completely off. Seems was 2-3 weeks before I saw a leveling of the heart rate, and my BP readings pretty consistent and then went to nothing. Again, I would have a rise in heart rate for awhile and tad higher Bp. Curious, did you monitor it when you reduced down to 25mgs? heart rate and BP? That is most likely your indicator of how your body adjust to coming off it, if it took 2-3 weeks for it to settle with 25mgs, same time period should be given to be totally off. Exactly what is your BP and heart rate now without it? Mine went from 58-60 beats on 25mgs to 120 without it, but came down. My BP was hovering around 96-100/56 and raised to 110/70 ish or 120/85 afterwards. I made add my beta was prescribed mostly for rapid heart rate and spiked Bp due to panic attacks. I only need to take it when needed now.

bunny,

August 2004...a fairly long time on the atenolol.
So a longish wean might be wise.
You are right in assuming atenolol is probably not necessarey after your stenting.

I think the 25 mg. for 2 or 3 weeks is about right but then I'd say go for 12.5 mg, or as close as you can cleave with a razor blade, for another couple weeks is a good idea.

You can measure your own progress with your heartrate (and God forbid, an agina return:(:() If your resting heartrate, even if you get a bit agitated, stays below 100 all is well. If it tends to race faster, spread the atenolol wean out longer.

How high is your resting heartrate? And your BP? Perhaps staying on the 25 mg. til they settle down is a good idea even if it takes longer than 3 weeks. Lets see what happens at day 21.

See, your body is now producing more catecholemines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) than normal to compensate for the fact they have been blocked for over a year! The adrenal glands (and the pituitary) take time to find steady state.

Thanks for replies. Hi Lenin, how you doing?

I stayed on 25mg for 2 weeks then down to 12.5 for a week then zero - so have been zero for nearly 2 weeks.

My bp has been from 130-140/ 90-96 in the last week and my resting pulse from 81-86. Not tooooo bad.

I saw the cardio who did my angioplasty (not my local cardio) today and in the end I sensibly told him I had come off the betablockers and told him the true reason was my arm going to ice big style anyway ....without the help of the betablockers. I couldn't deal with the extra of side effects contributing.

He checked my bp and it was 130-something over 95. He didn't like the 95 bit but he agreed to me waiting a month and then if it is not lower I am to see my gp and treat it. But I do not have to have betablockers as I am not getting angina. He said if I went for calcium channel blockers just for the bp then it may actually also help my arm/hand pain. (I love this man xxx) My hand/arm/neck/face goes to ice, and feels like ice to another person - even looks different colour. I've checked on the internet and there is a possibility that it may help. Crazy. Why does my cardiologist seem to know more than my pain clinic doctor? Answer:'cos the pc doctor is a ****** or a fool.

So this may all sort out and benefit me. I nearly didn't tell this cardio why I really wanted off the betablockers as I didn't think he would listen. I'm so glad I did. Now I stand to gain. Keep fingers crossed.

I may even try these calcium channel blockers even if my bp stabilises.

Believe me, bunny,

Calcium Channel Blockers are no walk in the park, either.
Take them only if you really MUST!

Nothing wrong with starting the old-fashioned way...with a diuretic.