problem with my medicine(atenolol) - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

elbertqueddeng · 09-18-2007, 08:32 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

rockylucy05 · 09-18-2007, 09:52 PM

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

flowergirl2day · 09-18-2007, 10:27 PM

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

elbertqueddeng · 09-19-2007, 08:03 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!

bethsheba · 09-19-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elbertqueddeng

...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