Hi Everyone,

Does anyone on Atenolol have Acid Reflux? I assume that the drug relaxes the heart muscle, but does it act on other involuntary muscles as well, such as the LES?

Thanks,

I think so...

I can feel it in a weakened bladder response if I take a beta blocker, so I'm sure it weakens the esophageal sphincter also.

My mom was on atenolol FOREVER and had a continuing serious GERD problem.

Thanks for the reply Lenin, I know what you mean about the bladder thing, you can go, but it tends to come out a little slower than usual.

I don't understand why GERD is not listed as a side effect for Atenolol. I never had a problem before I started, my weight is normal, I don't smoke, and I eat correctly. The only other factor I can attribute to this is the medicine. My doctor feels it may not be attributed. I also have horrible dreams, this also appears to be a side effect.

Any suggestions about how to get me doctor to take me off of this? I have MVP and he believes that a beta blocker is the only medication to slow my heart rate down. Are there any others?

I have also heard that a fast heart rate, usually between 90-100 BPMs is not necessarily a bad thing, just as long as no previous heart disease is present?

Thanks,

I wouldn't think that a steady 90-100 BPM's needs to be medicated but I'm not sure about a prolapsing mital valve.

I think you might find a couple calcium channel blockers that will slow the heart, but they might do the same for the esophageal sphincter; I just don't have any experience in CCB's. Why not ask your doctor about diltiazem or verapamil? Might be worth a try at each.

Do you have hypertension...if not, I'd rethink the whole medication thing?

There are 2 other meds (diltiazem and verapamil) in the Calcium Channel Blocker family that also slow down the heart rate and help with palps . I got off atenolol in Oct and started diltiazem.
Cass

ROFL...great minds and all that!

Thanks for the reply everyone,

I do have hypertension, only white coat, or when I get anxious. I am only 28, but sometimes I feel like I am 80 (no offense to anyone who is 80). I felt so much better before I was placed on this stuff.

Thanks for the medication names, I will ask my doctor about them.