[applegreen72]

#1059685

Hi

My doctor just prescribed atenolol 50mg per day. I was at his office and my blood pressure and heart rate was elevated (180/90, and HR at 100). Normally at home my blood pressure was around 135/80 to 144/92 and my heart rate at resting is around 80-90, sometimes it does drop to 63-75 range. I told him probably is white coat anxiety but he don’t buy it and thus prescribe this drug.

I took the medicine home and upon searching the web, there seems to be alot of negative and serious side effect on this beta-blocker.

My questions are for those on this drug now, what was your blood pressure and heart rate before you decide to start on this drug. And does it really help? What are the side effects that you have encounter once you are on this drug.

Any advise will be appreciated.

Edit: I just want to add that I do not have hand tremors etc typical of graves disease symptoms.

/apple

[ChristinaDe]

#1176798

Apple,

I was put on atenolol 2 months ago. At that time, my heart was racing (would go from 90’s to 160’s and then back again). Gave me a feeling of “impending doom” and raised my anxiety terribly. My BP though was on the low edge of normal (110/68-ish). I also had hand tremors. The atenolol worked very well in stopping my tremors and keeping my heart rate & anxiety down. And it did NOT lower my already low BP down any at all (a good thing). I was put on a very tiny dose. 12.5 mg a day.

However, I did experience some side effects: Heart beating at a normal rate, but hard (palpitations) w/ a little shortness of breath during the simplest activity (like doing my hair!), extreme fatigue and weakness, couldn’t sleep more than a couple of hours at a time…and when I did sleep, I had a lot of nightmares, very vivid ones. I also felt like it made me feel a little depression that I hadn’t had before. So for me it was a trade-off – trading in some of the anxiety and racing & feeling like I was going to die, for calmer palpitations and fatigue & perhaps a bit of depression. I did find that the longer I was on it, the less severe the side effects became.

That was my experience (I’m still on it actually) & I would take it again if offered under the same circumstances. My surgeon says that once I’ve stabilized from surgery & my Synthroid levels are good, he’ll take me off the atenolol.

Christina

[vanillasky]

#1176799

I am taking it via my Cardiologist. Endo didn’t want me to take it. I suffer from very low blood pressure. We’ve run the risk of me fainting.

As far as side effects, it is a weight gain drug! So be careful of that. Otherwise, it can make you drowsy. That’s all that happens with me.

[applegreen72]

#1176800

Hi ChristinaDe and vanillasky

Thanks for your fast response.

I took one pill last night and this morning, my blood pressure didn’t really reduce but my heart rate dropped to between 47 – 52.

I do not feel shortness of breath, or giddy whatever, but I am concern with such low heart rate but my high blood pressure did not reduce. My home blood pressure monitor keeps giving me the sign that indicates irregular heartbeat.

I am not going to take another pill tonight, and will probably call up my doctor tomorrow to see if need to reduce the pill or totally forget about it.

/apple

[jaqeinquotation]

#1176801

Hi,

I met with endo on Thursday since my TT almost 4 weeks ago. I’m still troubling with some anxiety and as we all know it’s more than just uncomfortable. My pressure wasn’t low but my heart rate was up. I’ve noticed that my anxiety level goes up when I leave my apartment. Especially if I have an appointment. I have severe TED and anyone who suffers from it knows all the work that goes into preparing ourselves mentally and physically before we leave our caves. I’d be much happier if I could just stay at home with my family or in a dark room until my surgeries are complete. But then I pay the bills so I have to suck it up.

I’m returning to work on Monday and I’m not looking forward to it in the least. Personally, I don’t think anyone outside of this disease really cares so all the stares and questions will not be received well. I plan to stay to myself. My supervisor says she wants to see me with a smile on my face…bless her ignorant heart for she has not the slightest clue. I will be tackling a series of eye surgeries in the next few months so I try to remember that soon I will be able to look in the mirror again without breaking down.

My point? My doc prescribed 25mg’s of Atenolol and I plan to fill the prescription today and start with hopes that it helps with the anxiety. I pray that it does because the feeling can be crippling. I see my endo again in a couple weeks to get an update on my lab results which I will be doing this week.

I will let you know how the pill affects me when I take it this evening.

Take care and I wish you well.

[vanillasky]

#1176802

@jaqeinquotation: I just saw a woman yesterday with TED. I certainly didn’t stare because I know what it is. To be honest, I didn’t see anyone staring at her. I feel for you, we all have our cross to bear. Just go about your business and for anxiety, I think something like Xanax or Klonopin would be better. I take Klonopin myself. You might want to ask your endo about that. It might give you an attitude like: “who cares!” I think we all that from time to time.

Karen

[jaqeinquotation]

#1176803

Thanks Karen…your words mean alot.

I tried the Atenolol twice so far and I’m not really sure if it’s working yet but I’m going to give it a little while at least until I see the Endo again on the 19th. I will say that I went back to work today and I felt anxious but forced my way through it. If no changes by my next appointment then I will definetly ask about the other meds you mention.

Take care everyone:)

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