elbertqueddeng
09-18-2007, 11:32 PM
Please help me,I am very much worried about my health right now. My doctor prescribed an Atenolol 50mg to take it as a daily medication before breakfast but seems it doesnt work for me.Its been more that 1 week already since i stated it and yet i still feel palpitating and chest pain. My left arm already feeling numb usually every aftenoon. I make a regular jogging for 30mins every night to relieve my pain and i think it helps a lot, but on the next day, again it comes back even i take the medicine.
By the way, I am working here in Saudi Arabia, It is Ramadan season here. FYI fasting is very strict, Is it also a factor why my medicine dont effect on my body?
Thanks a lot, any suggestions will be so much appretiated
Elbert
By the way, I am working here in Saudi Arabia, It is Ramadan season here. FYI fasting is very strict, Is it also a factor why my medicine dont effect on my body?
Thanks a lot, any suggestions will be so much appretiated
Elbert
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rockylucy05
09-19-2007, 12:52 AM
I have also have problems with atenolol (50mg) due to my asthma so now I will be taking Linsoporil(sp?). I hope this will help me, but I have noticed that when I take my blood pressure it is really low(93/50). I have also noticed being dizzy/lightheaded/fatigue. I am on prozac due to anxiety, and levothroid due to hashimoto thyroiditis.
Thanks,
Cindy
Thanks,
Cindy
flowergirl2day
09-19-2007, 01:27 AM
Hi Elbert,
Sorry to hear ábout your problems with Atenolol.
What you describe sounds to me like the type of symptoms I get when withdrawing from a beta blocker. It is weird that you should have these symptoms when trying to get used to this drug. They are not listed among the usual side-effects. That does not mean anything. We all react differently to prescription drugs. Is there a preexisting cardiac condition, such as a heart block, conduction irregularities or heart failure? You don't mention any medical conditions or your age, so forgive me for asking. You are bound to have problems with this medication if certain cardiological conditions are present, whether diagnosed or not.
The full effect of Atenolol should be seen in one to two weeks. Because of your problems, such as chest pain, I would advise you to see your doctor before then. He is familiar with your medical status. He should decide what action needs to be taken and the means. A reminder: Atenolol is one of those medications that should be discontinued gradually under a doctors' supervision. There are other medications for reducing blood pressure that are very effective, and have fewer side effects. ACE inhibitors in combination with a diuretic are excellent.
Beta blockers increase one's sensitivity to cold. It probably does not get very cold where you live :) , but you can still feel the effects. Cold hands and feet. Sometimes they can tingle from insufficient circulation. One of the ways the beta blockers work is by reducing oxygen requirements of the heart. As a result, the cardiac output is lowered. There's less oxygenated blood supplying the body's tissues. This can result in shortness of breath, numbness of limbs (slower circulation with less oxygen), and exercise intolerance. Perhaps the chest pain is from your heart not getting the blood supply it's used to. (due to the beta blocker). In any case, go see your doctor ASAP and discuss these issues with him. A very undesirable side effect of this med is ED. Another thing to consider.
flowergirl
Sorry to hear ábout your problems with Atenolol.
What you describe sounds to me like the type of symptoms I get when withdrawing from a beta blocker. It is weird that you should have these symptoms when trying to get used to this drug. They are not listed among the usual side-effects. That does not mean anything. We all react differently to prescription drugs. Is there a preexisting cardiac condition, such as a heart block, conduction irregularities or heart failure? You don't mention any medical conditions or your age, so forgive me for asking. You are bound to have problems with this medication if certain cardiological conditions are present, whether diagnosed or not.
The full effect of Atenolol should be seen in one to two weeks. Because of your problems, such as chest pain, I would advise you to see your doctor before then. He is familiar with your medical status. He should decide what action needs to be taken and the means. A reminder: Atenolol is one of those medications that should be discontinued gradually under a doctors' supervision. There are other medications for reducing blood pressure that are very effective, and have fewer side effects. ACE inhibitors in combination with a diuretic are excellent.
Beta blockers increase one's sensitivity to cold. It probably does not get very cold where you live :) , but you can still feel the effects. Cold hands and feet. Sometimes they can tingle from insufficient circulation. One of the ways the beta blockers work is by reducing oxygen requirements of the heart. As a result, the cardiac output is lowered. There's less oxygenated blood supplying the body's tissues. This can result in shortness of breath, numbness of limbs (slower circulation with less oxygen), and exercise intolerance. Perhaps the chest pain is from your heart not getting the blood supply it's used to. (due to the beta blocker). In any case, go see your doctor ASAP and discuss these issues with him. A very undesirable side effect of this med is ED. Another thing to consider.
flowergirl
elbertqueddeng
09-19-2007, 11:03 AM
Thank you for the replies. By the way sorry for not including any additional information about my case. When i was in Philippines, the doctor told me that i am having irrigularities of my heart beat. I dont know actually what is the medical terms for that. Then my cardio ask me to undergo to stress test. Then they said it was normal. The only thing i have to do is regular excercise. I 've been expereincing this for about 3 years. I just ignore it because everytime i played,it will gone. But nowadays, even i have regular jogging (30 min/day) the palpitation and the chest pain are still there. I am 27 years old and my family has a history of high blood pressure. Actually, my father just died last year on the same case.(stroke).
I also notice that my palpitation is getting worse if i did not not eat something or i am very hungry. After a meal, then it will be lesser. Do you think it is also a factor or just a pshycological thing?
Hope you will help me on this.
Thanks!
I also notice that my palpitation is getting worse if i did not not eat something or i am very hungry. After a meal, then it will be lesser. Do you think it is also a factor or just a pshycological thing?
Hope you will help me on this.
Thanks!
bethsheba
09-19-2007, 12:24 PM
...I also notice that my palpitation is getting worse if i did not not eat something or i am very hungry. After a meal, then it will be lesser. Do you think it is also a factor or just a pshycological thing?
Hope you will help me on this.
Thanks!
Hi Elbert,
Ah, Ramandan...I remember it well...but you need to check with your pharmacist and your doctor to see if you should be taking your medication with food or without. It can make a BIG difference.
I was on atenolol for only about a month but I experienced major problems with it...be careful. Familiarize yourself with the side effects (they should be listed on the package insert--if you don't have one, get one from your pharmacist). Also, find out how to get OFF of atenolol if you need to stop taking it. Like Flowergirl said, atenolol is one of those medications you shouldn't just stop taking....you may need to wean off of it if the side effects are severe.
I experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after being on this med for only a few days...so if your moods change, call your doctor right away. I do not have any heart problems, and have been on 5 different bp meds. Atenolol was the only one that I experienced chest pain. So again, be careful. The pain you're experiencing may or may not be due to the medication.
It takes about 4-6 weeks for this med to drop bp, if I recall correctly. Someone, please speak up if I am wrong.
Bethsheba
Hope you will help me on this.
Thanks!
Hi Elbert,
Ah, Ramandan...I remember it well...but you need to check with your pharmacist and your doctor to see if you should be taking your medication with food or without. It can make a BIG difference.
I was on atenolol for only about a month but I experienced major problems with it...be careful. Familiarize yourself with the side effects (they should be listed on the package insert--if you don't have one, get one from your pharmacist). Also, find out how to get OFF of atenolol if you need to stop taking it. Like Flowergirl said, atenolol is one of those medications you shouldn't just stop taking....you may need to wean off of it if the side effects are severe.
I experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after being on this med for only a few days...so if your moods change, call your doctor right away. I do not have any heart problems, and have been on 5 different bp meds. Atenolol was the only one that I experienced chest pain. So again, be careful. The pain you're experiencing may or may not be due to the medication.
It takes about 4-6 weeks for this med to drop bp, if I recall correctly. Someone, please speak up if I am wrong.
Bethsheba
flowergirl2day
09-19-2007, 01:38 PM
Hi, :)
It takes about 4-6 weeks for this med to drop bp, if I recall correctly. Someone, please speak up if I am wrong.
My information comes from a drug information website for professionals. It includes chemical composition, molecular weight, and endless other details, clinical trials, detailed results of those, adverse reactions listed by percentages in selected studies, etc. etc., some more interesting than others. I also have several drug reference books for both consumers and physicans with extensive multipage writeups on each drug.
My drug information sheets, provided by the pharmacy, contain only the most basic information. They also tend to leave a lot of undesirable side effects out, or simply lump them into one catchall phrase...".and others, not listed"..
I like to get as complete a picture as is possible. I also like to know of any postmarketing problems reported about the drugs.
On the subject of Atenolol, these are some of the things of interest listed:
(not in any particular order and abbreviated)
Absorption of an oral dose is rapid and incomplete - only 50% from GI tract, the rest is excreted.
In an IV administration, peak plasma levels reached in 5 minutes.
Peak blood levels 2-4 hours after ingestion of oral dose.
Half-life 6-7 hours
A significant beta blocking effect, as measured by reduction of exercise tachycardia, is apparent within one hour following an oral administration of a single dose of 50mg of Atenolol, maximal at 2-4 hours, persists for at least 24 hours.
Full effect of 50mg dose in hypertension is seen within one-two weeks.
If optimal response NOT achieved by two weeks, increase dosage to 100mg.
Full effect in angina pectoris seen in one week.
flowergirl
It takes about 4-6 weeks for this med to drop bp, if I recall correctly. Someone, please speak up if I am wrong.
My information comes from a drug information website for professionals. It includes chemical composition, molecular weight, and endless other details, clinical trials, detailed results of those, adverse reactions listed by percentages in selected studies, etc. etc., some more interesting than others. I also have several drug reference books for both consumers and physicans with extensive multipage writeups on each drug.
My drug information sheets, provided by the pharmacy, contain only the most basic information. They also tend to leave a lot of undesirable side effects out, or simply lump them into one catchall phrase...".and others, not listed"..
I like to get as complete a picture as is possible. I also like to know of any postmarketing problems reported about the drugs.
On the subject of Atenolol, these are some of the things of interest listed:
(not in any particular order and abbreviated)
Absorption of an oral dose is rapid and incomplete - only 50% from GI tract, the rest is excreted.
In an IV administration, peak plasma levels reached in 5 minutes.
Peak blood levels 2-4 hours after ingestion of oral dose.
Half-life 6-7 hours
A significant beta blocking effect, as measured by reduction of exercise tachycardia, is apparent within one hour following an oral administration of a single dose of 50mg of Atenolol, maximal at 2-4 hours, persists for at least 24 hours.
Full effect of 50mg dose in hypertension is seen within one-two weeks.
If optimal response NOT achieved by two weeks, increase dosage to 100mg.
Full effect in angina pectoris seen in one week.
flowergirl
bethsheba
09-19-2007, 03:26 PM
Hi, :) ...Full effect of 50mg dose in hypertension is seen within one-two weeks.
If optimal response NOT achieved by two weeks, increase dosage to 100mg.
Full effect in angina pectoris seen in one week.
flowergirl
Thanks, Flowergirl,
I wasn't on atenolol very long (only a month) and given the side effects, I didn't wait to see if it was working or not (I didn't have a monitor at the time). I do remember that it took more than two weeks for the side effects to go away---energy levels, falling, depression, etc.
Oh, I would like to point out, too, that some people may or may not experience optimal response within the given time frame depending because everyone is different.
Thanks again for the input!
Bethsheba
If optimal response NOT achieved by two weeks, increase dosage to 100mg.
Full effect in angina pectoris seen in one week.
flowergirl
Thanks, Flowergirl,
I wasn't on atenolol very long (only a month) and given the side effects, I didn't wait to see if it was working or not (I didn't have a monitor at the time). I do remember that it took more than two weeks for the side effects to go away---energy levels, falling, depression, etc.
Oh, I would like to point out, too, that some people may or may not experience optimal response within the given time frame depending because everyone is different.
Thanks again for the input!
Bethsheba
flowergirl2day
09-19-2007, 05:42 PM
Beth,
I might come across as overly cautious at the very least, (if not paranoid) about my drugs. I do have to be careful and keep ahead of my doctor. He's the type who'll prescribe anything, regardless of interactions or contraindications. I have it on good authority he'd made serious errors with meds on many occassions. Most recently with my girlfriend's young daughter, who ended up in emergency with chest pains, due to long-term overdosing on an rx drug, which can only be taken for four weeks maximum. Guess who her doctor is? First thing the ER physician checked were her meds. He caught it rightaway. The ER doc asked: didn't your doctor tell you you can't take it for more than 4 weeks? Of course he DIDN''T! -he just kept prescribing it. Could have ended up in a heart attack or a stroke. Being a young girl, she had not bothered to read the drug info sheet. Sorry about going into details about this....but it pays to be extra careful...sometimes it could mean a difference between life & death.
PS. As I mentioned in another post, I have finally found a suitable doctor to replace my current one. She is leaving on a maternity leave. I'll wait. :)
flowergirl
I might come across as overly cautious at the very least, (if not paranoid) about my drugs. I do have to be careful and keep ahead of my doctor. He's the type who'll prescribe anything, regardless of interactions or contraindications. I have it on good authority he'd made serious errors with meds on many occassions. Most recently with my girlfriend's young daughter, who ended up in emergency with chest pains, due to long-term overdosing on an rx drug, which can only be taken for four weeks maximum. Guess who her doctor is? First thing the ER physician checked were her meds. He caught it rightaway. The ER doc asked: didn't your doctor tell you you can't take it for more than 4 weeks? Of course he DIDN''T! -he just kept prescribing it. Could have ended up in a heart attack or a stroke. Being a young girl, she had not bothered to read the drug info sheet. Sorry about going into details about this....but it pays to be extra careful...sometimes it could mean a difference between life & death.
PS. As I mentioned in another post, I have finally found a suitable doctor to replace my current one. She is leaving on a maternity leave. I'll wait. :)
flowergirl
bethsheba
09-19-2007, 09:40 PM
Beth,
I might come across as overly cautious at the very least, (if not paranoid) about my drugs. I do have to be careful and keep ahead of my doctor. He's the type who'll prescribe anything, regardless of interactions or contraindications...
I don't think that is overly cautious nor do I think it paranoid...I think it's the smart thing to do. Even if you had the best of the best (and you're saying you don't), doctors make mistakes, have fights with their spouses, get low golf scores, etc. all of which can interfere with their judgement and their experience.
... Most recently with my girlfriend's young daughter, who ended up in emergency with chest pains, due to long-term overdosing on an rx drug, which can only be taken for four weeks maximum. Guess who her doctor is? First thing the ER physician checked were her meds. He caught it rightaway. The ER doc asked: didn't your doctor tell you you can't take it for more than 4 weeks? Of course he DIDN''T! -he just kept prescribing it. Could have ended up in a heart attack or a stroke. Being a young girl, she had not bothered to read the drug info sheet. Sorry about going into details about this....but it pays to be extra careful...sometimes it could mean a difference between life & death....
No need to apologize...we need to know these things so we can protect ourselves. We need to be proactive...didn't you post in another thread the info about 99.?? percent of the side effects that aren't recognized/reported?
Am so glad to know you've found another doctor that you can trust. Guess I didn't realize she will be replacing your current gp but I'm glad. I was always concerned about the medical care you were receiving, but to be honest, I couldn't quite figure out which doctor was which, and I knew some of your doctors you think very highly of...
When do you go back to work, FG? How long have you been off? Are you nervous about going back? Excited? Mixed feelings? I'm sure that whatever you're feeling will shift into "comfortable' in a relatively short period of time...will be anxious to hear how you make out...again, you're a good role model for me and I need to do something about getting back to work.
Take care,
Bethsheba
I might come across as overly cautious at the very least, (if not paranoid) about my drugs. I do have to be careful and keep ahead of my doctor. He's the type who'll prescribe anything, regardless of interactions or contraindications...
I don't think that is overly cautious nor do I think it paranoid...I think it's the smart thing to do. Even if you had the best of the best (and you're saying you don't), doctors make mistakes, have fights with their spouses, get low golf scores, etc. all of which can interfere with their judgement and their experience.
... Most recently with my girlfriend's young daughter, who ended up in emergency with chest pains, due to long-term overdosing on an rx drug, which can only be taken for four weeks maximum. Guess who her doctor is? First thing the ER physician checked were her meds. He caught it rightaway. The ER doc asked: didn't your doctor tell you you can't take it for more than 4 weeks? Of course he DIDN''T! -he just kept prescribing it. Could have ended up in a heart attack or a stroke. Being a young girl, she had not bothered to read the drug info sheet. Sorry about going into details about this....but it pays to be extra careful...sometimes it could mean a difference between life & death....
No need to apologize...we need to know these things so we can protect ourselves. We need to be proactive...didn't you post in another thread the info about 99.?? percent of the side effects that aren't recognized/reported?
Am so glad to know you've found another doctor that you can trust. Guess I didn't realize she will be replacing your current gp but I'm glad. I was always concerned about the medical care you were receiving, but to be honest, I couldn't quite figure out which doctor was which, and I knew some of your doctors you think very highly of...
When do you go back to work, FG? How long have you been off? Are you nervous about going back? Excited? Mixed feelings? I'm sure that whatever you're feeling will shift into "comfortable' in a relatively short period of time...will be anxious to hear how you make out...again, you're a good role model for me and I need to do something about getting back to work.
Take care,
Bethsheba
flowergirl2day
09-20-2007, 12:09 AM
When do you go back to work, FG? How long have you been off? Are you nervous about going back? Excited? Mixed feelings?
You cannot imagine how nervous I am. I don't want the staff asking me questions. I don't want to be treated any differently. To that end, I have been training every day, doing the Summit trail, trying to manage my breathing. It is much better now.
I have a very understanding GM. He'll make the transition an easy one for me. There are many other positions I could be doing, including office work, but would rather not. At my age, I want to do what I enjoy. I've had so many clients tell me how much they've misssed me. It's really touching. So yes, it will be good to be back. :) I have been off since December 6/06. Going back October 1st.
flowergirl
You cannot imagine how nervous I am. I don't want the staff asking me questions. I don't want to be treated any differently. To that end, I have been training every day, doing the Summit trail, trying to manage my breathing. It is much better now.
I have a very understanding GM. He'll make the transition an easy one for me. There are many other positions I could be doing, including office work, but would rather not. At my age, I want to do what I enjoy. I've had so many clients tell me how much they've misssed me. It's really touching. So yes, it will be good to be back. :) I have been off since December 6/06. Going back October 1st.
flowergirl
mmvic
09-20-2007, 12:50 AM
Elbert, do you know if you have atrial fibrillation? This is an irregular heartbeat that can affect the blood pressure and give symptoms like you describe. Beta blockers sometimes help. If you are not getting control see your doctor. Sometimes other steps must be done such as ablation. Strokes can occur with this condition if it is not controlled.
hopesprings2
09-20-2007, 04:26 PM
i took that once years ago for fast heart rate.my feet swelled up very big and i dont think it helped my heart that much.i had to get off of it
elbertqueddeng
09-24-2007, 01:44 AM
mmvic,
actually i dont what it is called in medical terms, but the doctor foud out from the ECG that i am having an errigular heart beat. I am still taking may medecine but today im planning to see my doctoctor to ask him why i am still not feeling the effect of the medicine. if possible. i will ask him also to change it because of some side effects as mensioned from the forum
thanks to everyone
actually i dont what it is called in medical terms, but the doctor foud out from the ECG that i am having an errigular heart beat. I am still taking may medecine but today im planning to see my doctoctor to ask him why i am still not feeling the effect of the medicine. if possible. i will ask him also to change it because of some side effects as mensioned from the forum
thanks to everyone
bethsheba
09-24-2007, 07:27 AM
You cannot imagine how nervous I am. I don't want the staff asking me questions. I don't want to be treated any differently. To that end, I have been training every day, doing the Summit trail, trying to manage my breathing. It is much better now.
... At my age, I want to do what I enjoy. I've had so many clients tell me how much they've misssed me. It's really touching. So yes, it will be good to be back. :) I have been off since December 6/06. Going back October 1st.
flowergirl
No, I sure I can't imagine how nervous you are, but it's very understandable that you're nervous. I suppose in many ways it's just like starting a new job! Except that you won't need to be trained again, :D . People are curious...I think they want to know stuff in case "it" happens to them...have you thought about questions they may ask? Have you thought about how you can redirect the topic? It may help to prepare in advance. But I suspect you'll be so busy working with your clients and finding out about the latest office politics, that you won't need to deal with curiosity.
I'm so glad you're breathing is better now...and I envy you the Summit Trail, especially this time of year when the air is crisp and you can smell bits of fall and see glorious color.
Bethsheba
... At my age, I want to do what I enjoy. I've had so many clients tell me how much they've misssed me. It's really touching. So yes, it will be good to be back. :) I have been off since December 6/06. Going back October 1st.
flowergirl
No, I sure I can't imagine how nervous you are, but it's very understandable that you're nervous. I suppose in many ways it's just like starting a new job! Except that you won't need to be trained again, :D . People are curious...I think they want to know stuff in case "it" happens to them...have you thought about questions they may ask? Have you thought about how you can redirect the topic? It may help to prepare in advance. But I suspect you'll be so busy working with your clients and finding out about the latest office politics, that you won't need to deal with curiosity.
I'm so glad you're breathing is better now...and I envy you the Summit Trail, especially this time of year when the air is crisp and you can smell bits of fall and see glorious color.
Bethsheba