Atenelol side effects? - Drug Interactions / Side Effects Message Board

akahoneypotqt · 01-14-2004, 07:17 AM

HI! I have been on atenelol as a beta-blocker for about 2 yrs now. Put on it for heart palpitations related to anxiety/panic disorder. I have developed depression, hair loss, low sex drive, and some disrupted sleep. Over all, now that I think about it. I have felt nothing like myself since I started taking it!. anybody else have this problem? Also, anybody had a problem when they quit taking it?.. Thanks.......

zip2play · 01-16-2004, 10:00 AM

Lowered sex drive in women, and impotence in men is almost guaranteed with atenolol.
I am on it for nearly a month (but I've taken other beta blockers over the last couple decades) and it's causing insomnia. I'm trying try an experiment taking it later and later to find the best sleep...I think it's the "wear-off" that wakes me.
If I'm right I will switch to something like 8PM dosing.

Depression is common with this drug (my mom had it bad).

How is it working on the palpitations? Have you had high blood pressure or any chest pain on exertion.

For just panic reactions, I think it's the wrong drug.

NEVER stop this drug cold turkey...yout heart rate will go throught the roof. Ween yourself down with smaller doses (split pills) over a one month period.
Don't even skip one day!

akahoneypotqt · 01-16-2004, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip2play

Lowered sex drive in women, and impotence in men is almost guaranteed with atenolol.
I am on it for nearly a month (but I've taken other beta blockers over the last couple decades) and it's causing insomnia. I'm trying try an experiment taking it later and later to find the best sleep...I think it's the "wear-off" that wakes me.
If I'm right I will switch to something like 8PM dosing.

Depression is common with this drug (my mom had it bad).

How is it working on the palpitations? Have you had high blood pressure or any chest pain on exertion.

For just panic reactions, I think it's the wrong drug.

NEVER stop this drug cold turkey...yout heart rate will go throught the roof. Ween yourself down with smaller doses (split pills) over a one month period.
Don't even skip one day!

I won't stop taking it like that. I only take 25mg a day as it is. But when I am ready I will split them over a months time as suggested. Thanks. It has completely taken care of my palpitations. I didn't have high blood pressure to begin with, so that is a positive perk to have something to lower in just in case it was high!. HOwever, the depression is awful!. Along w/everything else. Also, my hair i falling out in the crown area. And I have gained about 20 lbs. I think this stuff has more side effects than people actually realize. Thanks.. Mary

akjoha · 01-30-2004, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akahoneypotqt

I won't stop taking it like that. I only take 25mg a day as it is. But when I am ready I will split them over a months time as suggested. Thanks. It has completely taken care of my palpitations. I didn't have high blood pressure to begin with, so that is a positive perk to have something to lower in just in case it was high!. HOwever, the depression is awful!. Along w/everything else. Also, my hair i falling out in the crown area. And I have gained about 20 lbs. I think this stuff has more side effects than people actually realize. Thanks.. Mary

you are right it does! I had trouble taking it years ago, and Drs know it yet I was put back on it after heart attack over a month ago! I was supposed to take 50mg 2 times a day!Forget that! I tried 25 mg once a day at night but cant sleep at night, weird dreams, and my hair is falling out also, since then I have broken it in half and taken in the morning so most affects are done before bed.The drug also slows my heart beat down to the 40,s, so like a zombie!I am now down to breaking it in half again, the last couple mornings and I am sleeping better! I think I get side affects from everything I am told to take, wish I didnt !

abbygirl2 · 02-08-2004, 11:44 PM

Hi, I have been on Atenolol(at several different doses) for about 4 years now, and other then weird dreams and feeling tired throughout the day(which improved when I began taking it at night) I haven't had any problems with it. There are other BB out there you could try. And like Zip said-never stop taking this drug immediately!!!
Good luck, sorry I couldn't be more help.