taylorsmom93
03-31-2007, 10:15 PM
Hello all. First off, I have extreme medical anxiety, and afraid of any medicines. I went to the dr today and my BP was high, he changed my Paxil to Lexapro, and put me on Atenolol.25 mg. He seemed to think the BP may be caused by my high level of stress and anxiety. Paxil wasn't working out for me. I am sitting here, with the pill in front of me, afraid to take it. Could I half the pill? Should I take it at night before bed? Are the side affects THAT bad? What should I expect? Sorry to be a pain! Thanks for your time. Amy
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CrazyLife414
04-01-2007, 01:22 AM
Hi...I was put on Atenolol 25mg a month ago and have been taking it and do feel much better. My bp was 158/94 when I went on the medication. I too have health anxiety and struggle every day with it. Take the pill, and see how you feel. You don't have to stay on it if you find that you have any side effects, it is your body and you know how you feel every day. 25mg is a pretty mild dosage. I write down anything that I feel is unusual or out of the ordinary and call my doctor with it.
I wish you the best of luck!
Take care of you!
Crazy
I wish you the best of luck!
Take care of you!
Crazy
bethsheba
04-01-2007, 09:50 AM
Amy,
I was on atenolol for just a matter of weeks...and yes, for me the side effects were that bad. Unlike other bp meds, my brain fog lifted (which was good) and I think I slept better but I lost all interest in the things I cared about. It got to the point where I was going to do something drastic. My drug sheet said listed "mood changes" as a side effect but it should have listed "suicidal tendencies".
I don't want to scare you---I just want to make you aware of the possibilities because if you do you can call the doctor right away.
If you don't mind my asking, at what age were you diagnosed with high blood pressure? And are you overweight?
Bethsheba
I was on atenolol for just a matter of weeks...and yes, for me the side effects were that bad. Unlike other bp meds, my brain fog lifted (which was good) and I think I slept better but I lost all interest in the things I cared about. It got to the point where I was going to do something drastic. My drug sheet said listed "mood changes" as a side effect but it should have listed "suicidal tendencies".
I don't want to scare you---I just want to make you aware of the possibilities because if you do you can call the doctor right away.
If you don't mind my asking, at what age were you diagnosed with high blood pressure? And are you overweight?
Bethsheba
taylorsmom93
04-01-2007, 10:12 AM
Thank you both. I am 33, and I won't say my weight..lol. I could afford to loose a few pounds. :D Is it possible my severe anxiety has cause this? My BP is usually normal. The time before the last 2 visits, the nurse said..that is a perfect blood pressure. My dr acted like he thought nerves were the problem. I am having blood work done next week, thyroid and all that. Thank you again!
bethsheba
04-01-2007, 10:28 AM
Based on what you told us, I thought you may be young to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Because of your "tender" age and because you may have a "few" pounds to lose, I would seriously investigate the CAUSE of your high blood pressure (that is to say if you actually "have" it and not white coat syndrome)...it sounds like your doctor is investigating possible causes because you're having blood work done.
If you are not experiencing white coat syndrome, and if your blood work doesn't reveal anything that would cause hbp, I would recommend learning about sleep apnea and high blood pressure before starting a drug regime. I'm jumping ahead of your circumstances but I'm mentioning it now in case I don't return to the forum.
Bethsheba
If you are not experiencing white coat syndrome, and if your blood work doesn't reveal anything that would cause hbp, I would recommend learning about sleep apnea and high blood pressure before starting a drug regime. I'm jumping ahead of your circumstances but I'm mentioning it now in case I don't return to the forum.
Bethsheba
CrazyLife414
04-01-2007, 10:16 PM
You know, I would suggest you monitor you blood pressure...I have to say that it does make me wonder when a doctor takes your pressure one time and puts you on meds. My doctor had me monitor mine for about a month before he decided on drugs. Sometimes it is just the day or having had to rush to get to your appt or even a rough day with the kids, so be careful just taking the pills before making sure that you really need them. What was your blood pressure? I totally understand your medical anxiety, I have it and I too need to loose a few pounds as well and I am working on that, so I completely understand your situation, but I also know that many doctors had rather jump the gun and give drugs instead of digging for the real problem. Call the doctor and ask if you can monitor you bp for a week or two before switching to drug therapy. See if you can loose a few pounds and see if that helps and try going for a walk each day...
If that doesn't work and you really do need the drugs, just watch yourself and if you feel like you are having a side effect call your doctor ASAP.
OH..as a side note, I take mine Atenolol at night after I eat dinner and I really have not had any side effects at all...
Best of Luck to you!
Crazy
If that doesn't work and you really do need the drugs, just watch yourself and if you feel like you are having a side effect call your doctor ASAP.
OH..as a side note, I take mine Atenolol at night after I eat dinner and I really have not had any side effects at all...
Best of Luck to you!
Crazy