Question - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

cynder · 11-16-2004, 01:34 PM

Once againI have a question on my BP medication. I went to the cardioligist yesterday, and he said to keep on the atenolol. (yuck) The oopins and needles are gone but know I think I am having Palps. I feel like I get a flutter in my chest once in a while. Is that what it is and should I go back again? I have read that drocs give atenolol for pals.. I dont know what to do. I am so scared. I dont like to feel like this. It just started last night and I have had a few since then maybe 3 today. Just for a second and it is gone It kinda feels like a burp. Is this what it is and has anyone had this with this medication. I do not know what to do...

Random2 · 11-16-2004, 02:31 PM

The medication s**ks. What the docs. don't tell you when they prescribe it is how tough it is to wean off of it. I feel lethargic, heat intolerance, dizzy at times, Chills in the morning about a couple of hours after taking it, tingling in my head at times, mood swings, depression... you name it. I truly dislike Atenolol & most beta-blockers as a class of drugs. What is worse? Having slightly elevated B/P or having a ton of side-effects from beta-blockers? I would rather have slightly elevate B/P during stressful times.... it's called being human.

cynder · 11-17-2004, 10:26 AM

Lillians,
What med are you currently on? Did you switch. I have only been on Atenolol for 2 weeks should I tell them to switch me? Do you think I will need to be weaned off after only a couple of weeks?

Random2 · 11-17-2004, 12:19 PM

I am on Atenolol 100 MGS & Lotrel 5/20. I have been on (Toprol, Altace, Verapamil) as well. My B/P is under perfect control. I have averaged 116/66 for months as my previous post states. I'm only 34. At the doc. my B/P will soar to 156/86, but come down to 122/75 30 minutes after the appointment. I have white-coat. The meds. don't help white-coat. For me it is an anxiety issue. If I could find a doc. that specializes in white-coat & anxiety & not in B/P I would be happy. I haven't gotten off of the Atenolol, because I know that I will have to be weaned off of it. I will see my specialist friend in a couple of months or so to get weaned off of it. My 2nd doc said that it has few side-effects, I say B.S. Let her take Atenolol & see how she feels. "It's a good med" my 3rd doc. says. Yeah for who???? People that like side-effects & not working to there full potential. Beta-Blockers are a nasty group of meds. if you want my opinion. They lower your pulse & heart rate & may lower B/P a little, but the side-effects & difference in quality of life makes them a big zero in my book. I would wean myself, but like a fool I will go to a true professional that specializes in white-coat & B/P. For the anxiety part, I guess that I will have to go through trial & error. I did switch from Toprol to Atenolol, because Toprol caused GI problems, I was cold & got chills a few hours after taking the med & just depressed. This doc. said that Atenolol doesn't go through the brain stream, so I will not experience those side-effects. She was right, I experience different ones with Atenolol.

Should you be weaned... IMO, yes. I'm sure that the GP told you about the addictive qualities of Atenolol & that you would need to be weaned off of it when your B/P reached a certain level. If any med. causes more harm than good, then it isn't worth it IMO. I haven't heard many good stories about people taking Atenolol & I'm living proof.

Cynder,

Why are you on B/P meds. like Atenolol in the 1st place? I believe that beta-blockers shouldn't be the 1st choice for docs. to prescribe. What are your readings at the doc. & away from the doc. How many MGS are you taking a day?