Is Atenolol Safe For Treating Anxiety?

ATENOLOL IS DANGEROUS TO SOME PEOPLE. AFTER MY 3 BY-PASS HEART SURGERY IN 1999 JUST FEW DAYS TAKING ATENOLOL I HAD SEIZURES MANY TIMES, KNOCK DOWN HIT THE FLOOR. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO SHARP OBJECT. MY EYE GLASS FRAME WAS DAMAGED A LITTLE.

Is atenolol given or helpful for essential tremors?

A friend was on 200 mg Sertraline (Zoloft) for depression & anxiety, prescribed by a shrink. The friend still had anxiety, but to a lesser degree. Many months later, a dermatologist prescribed an antihistamine, Hydroxyzine HCL tablets 25mg/day, to treat hives resulting from an allergy. To my friend's utter delight and amazement the anxiety disappeared in a few days!

She told her shrink about it and he confirmed that this antihistamine is sometimes prescribed for anxiety, and he added Hydroxyzine Pamoate capsules 25mg/day to her normal 200mg/day Sertraline prescription. The "Pamoate" capsule version of Hydroxyzine was not effective at relieving the anxiety and it caused headaches. Her shrink changed her prescription to the "HCL" tablet version and now she no longer has anxiety.

I have taken Atenonol, for about a year. It is very effective for blood pressure, and does seem to help with moderate anxiety. I have had no ill effects.

I suffered from mild anxiety disorder with occasional anxiety attacks six years ago. My doctor also said I had blood pressure slightly high.

He prescribed Atenolol as an "oldie, but a goodie" for my symptoms. It controls my BP and my anxiety with no side effects.

I have a long history of anxiety and panic attacks. I am also a performing musician which can often cause performance anxiety. I have been prescribed Xanax off and on over the years along with a myriad of antidepressants like Prozac, Cymbalta, etc. Several months ago my doctor added Atenolol to my Xanax and Cymbalta. I have had ZERO benefit from the Atenolol. In fact as far as my mental state I think I was better without it. With the increased risks of type 2 diabetes and other side effects I have decided this is definitely not the drug for me.

I think doctors get frustrated and desperate and start reaching for drugs not necessarily ideal for treating my problems. Since starting the Atenolol I have lost interest in everything, I am tired all the time, I am having Hemmingway Black-Assed days (severe depression) sexual difficulties, my mood is dark and everyone in the house hates the man I have become. I don't much care for me either. (Can you tell I am severely unhappy?)

I am beginning a decreased dosage as of today and wish me luck as I understand this can be somewhat difficult. I will try to return here at a later time and share any progress as it may help some of you. In the meantime I would be interested in any suggestions and comments.
Thanks all
John

I have anxiety attacks since I was 14. I am now 25. I was given Atenolol a few years ago at 25mg-75mg a day due to blood Pressure going to about 189/92 when I have attacks. Then I was taken off.

Last night I had such a bad one I went to the hospital. I felt a flush from head to toe, anyways the doctors put me back on it for:

A.) It helps open veins when blood is trying to flow through in Hypertensive states

B.) Yes it has been proven to work With SOME PEOPLE ONLY.

In this case it is on my side.

I take 10mg of Lexapro, 1mg of Xanax XR and 1, 25mg Atenolol if needed usually counting if I have more then 60 beats of pulses in my wrist.

So bottom line....It works for some .....just like any medicine everybody is different.

Also within 1 Hour after taking it, My blood Pressure was 187/97 and it dropped to 126/81 which I haven't had a number that good in years.

So bottom line....we gotta find the right medicine for us all. I'm not suggesting it but we all are different.

I also now am having trouble with my Xanax, CVS pharmacy has ordered new generic's that do NOT feel the same. So now I'm having to hunt one down that will have the same ones every month.

If anyone ever needs to talk about Anxiety Issues I am here this is my 11th year with them now.

To all of you.... I know how you feel

Joshua

P.s. They always pass and nobody has ever died in the History of Anxiety attacks, regardless of how it feels, Everything will be alright.

hello everyone. I was just given atenolol for svt heart palps. And yes I do have moderate blood pressure... what I'm worried about is will this atenolol slow my heart rate down to much?

He said it was for the svt. I am on hctz and iI do take a half a xanax a day. Does anyone have svt? I am soo scared I never know when I'm gonna have an episode. Thanks for your help.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR DOCTOR. IF YOU FIND THE ATENOLOL SLOWS THE HEART RATE TOO MUCH, YOUR DOCTOR WILL WANT TO ADJUST THE DOSE.

I've been prescribed atenonol for about a month or 2 now and feel like my anxiety has gotten worse. Although it helps prevent my migraines and keeps my blood pressure down but now feeling of anxiety is harder to deal with daily, and feeling it everyday since I've been on this med. As for my Dr., all she did was refer me to behavioral health all because I said that "I think too much" and by thinking too much I think that's how my anxieties start.

Why do I feel this way? Why am I getting anxious all the time? atenonol is NOT helping at all with my ugly anxiety feelings.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: ATENOLOL CAN HELP WITH THE RACING HEARTBEAT OF A PANIC ATTACK, BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERED AN ANTI-ANXIETY DRUG. YOU MAY WANT TO ASK FOR A REFERRAL TO A PSYCHOLOGIST VERSED IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. IT SOUNDS AS IF THAT WOULD BE A GOOD FIT.

Hey Josh I'm 46 years old hypertensive and anxiety. Been recently hospitalized 7 times in the last 2 months at Cornell medical in new york. Anxiety got worst after I got hurt on the job. Heart is good, kidneys are fine. THEY SAY I'M HEALTHY. I RECENTLY STARTED ATENENOL 12.5 2x a day I have xanax as needed. I try to stay on the low end of that. I'm also on diovan 80 mgs. How are you coping with the anxiety issues, HOW IS ATANENOL HELPING YOU? I Went from an active UPS driver and was running a few days a week to no exercise for the past 3 mths. Any advice feel free to email. thanx joe

I have Lyme disease an get bad panic attacks so was put on atenolol but it made it worse for me. xanax helps a lot more.

I was put on atenolol as needed for shaking during social events in June. No problems then, as I only used one pill about once a week, if that. Then my blood pressure went through the roof from severe anxiety in November. So I was put on it daily and all hell broke loose. Made my anxiety worse, caused me to a bad panic attack, horrible nightmares and insomnia.

I am bipolar, so the lack of sleep I got on this drug caused me to go into a bad manic episode. I have not been the same since this drug. I stopped it cold turkey in January soon after New Year's Day. I have been left with internal shaking and mixed bipolar episodes along with terrible anxiety and pounding heart since I stopped.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: STOPPING A BETA-BLOCKER SUDDENLY CAN LEAD TO AWFUL SIDE EFFECTS. USUALLY SUCH DRUGS SHOULD BE PHASED OFF GRADUALLY.

I also have Lyme, does it cause or worsen anxiety?

I feel your pain. I am 39 and have had Social Anxiety since I was 15 and General Anxiety since I was 9 (or at least that is as far as I can remember! Part of the onset was definitely environmental but part also genetic (mild anxiety in immediate family) Ironically, I am very outgoing and talkative. When I tell a friend, they can't understand it based on my personality.

The anxiety really does depend on my current situation. If any changes in my life occur, I overthink to the extreme. I am in a fairly new relationship and that makes me very anxious (until I become comfortable and more familiar with him).

I go to counciling and have learned techniques. So far they haven't really helped because my brain is really stubborn. A really great book (that my Counselor has suggested) is: 10 Best-ever Anxiety Management Techniques. It is really the best one out there!

I had been on Zoloft and Clonazepam since I was 20 and although it helped, if I forgot to take the clonazepam, I would remember when I'd get really anxious, almost dizzy. I now take (for the last 6 months) A mood stabilizer (Lamotrigine) since it got really bad within this year (which led to some depression as well) along with some careless choices within many years. Also mild ups and down with mood but NEVER manic. Maybe a very mild form of Bi-polar (Geez, reading this I really sound like a hot mess). I only take the clonazepam if feeling really anxious (I take a half to 1 of the .5mg when needed... maybe 3 times during the week). Atenolol was just added if I feel a severe panic attack coming on. I had taken Atenolo only as needed when I had to go off anything else 15 years ago when I was pregnant. I requested it because it worked well for me.

Deet

I have been prescribed 50mg atenolol daily for hypertension and angina with possible coronary vasospasm. I am only 33 but have a strong family history of these conditions. I feel much better, calmer, and my BP has dropped from an average of 150/85 to 135/75. My resting pulse has dropped from 85bpm to 50bpm. Angina was a daily occurrence but now virtually gone. Does anyone think that my resting pulse rate is too low? Can anyone tell me about exercise while taking atenolol?

I was just prescribed Atenolol for rapid heart rate. I recently had a baby (about 5 months ago) and about 6 weeks after giving birth I experienced palpitations, rapid heart rate, and anxiety in response to my symptoms. (History: no prior history of any medical conditions or heart related issues) Went to ER one evening and X-Ray, EKG's, Echo, and bloodwork were all OK.

One blood level, D-dimer, seemed elevated; however, 2 weeks later a follow up blood analysis showed levels were decreasing therefore being no cause for concern. After months of feeling palpitations on and off and experiencing anxiety as a result of symptoms (only increasing the heart rate even more), my cardiologist and primary care giver agreed I should wear a 24 hour holter monitor to track my resting heart rate and heart rate rhythm in general.

It appears the results show that my resting heart rate average was 86 (usually ranges from 86-99) and at one point in the afternoon my heart rate shot up to 156 (I was not exercising and was just home taking care of my baby). Doctor reported there were no significant arrhythmias and anything of concern in that matter. He believes I'm in no danger and just recommended 25mg (or .25mg not sure) of Atenolol to take 1x a day. My doctor was OK with me not taking the medication if I felt I preferred to live with the symptoms.

He further recommended I continue with my exercise plan and well-balanced diet. It is currently up to me to take the medication. I am leaning toward trying the medication in the hopes that my symptoms will decrease as well as any anxiety I experience in response to the symptoms due to fears for my health and well-being. I am aware this is not a medication for anxiety.

My question is, does this appear to be the appropriate medication for my presenting symptoms?? I have no problems with high blood pressure and so I'd like to know. Also, is there any theory as to why the body ends up activating the parasympathetic nerve more than average creating fast heart rate?

You did not give your age. As you have had EKG, ECG and workup at ER with only one blood level elevated, but returned to normal I would say it's probably anxiety from from having a new baby. They are a lot of work, and if you are the primary caregiver, you're feeding, getting up at night, changing diapers, bathing, comforting and getting ready (if not already) for teething. This is a very stressful time. You may not be getting enough rest.

You did not say if this is your first child. You also did not give your average blood pressure or what is was when you presented with symptoms at the ER. Women generally have a higher resting heart rate than men, roughly 72-84 bpm for women, 66-74 for men, based on healthy weight and no heart related issues. If your heart rate shot up to 156 just home taking care of your baby, that sounds like anxiety, you became aware of it and you freaked out, causing it to elevate rapidly.

You also did not give your weight or the weight of your baby. Sometimes lifting an object can cause an increase in heart rate and pressure, especially if you were in a resting state before lifting. If you are concerned, have your PCP setup a stress test to rule out activity related heart issues. I'm assuming you're not breast feeding if you were prescribed Atenolol. It's 25mg, BTW.

Here's a little test you can do on your own. Get a heart rate monitor. Get your heart rate up to about 120 through a good cardio workout. Keep it there for about ten minutes, then cool down slowly for five minutes. watch your heart rate 'recovery' over the next five to ten minutes. It should come down steadily to about at least your regular rate, you said 86-99. If it stays unusually elevated, then there might be an activity related issue.

Atenolol is a high blood pressure med in the beta blocker family. One of its 'off label' uses is for anxiety, but not for generalized anxiety or panic/anxiety issues. It is generally used for performance anxiety, and even then Propanolol(Inderal) is usually the med of choice among professional musicians and public speakers where increased heart rate is quite common.

A holter monitor is a bit much. And no doctor worth his or her salt should ever tell you it's fine not to take a med if you want to just live with the symptoms. It is their responsibility to help you find a solution so you feel better, not get by. Keep in mind if you start this med on a regular basis, do not stop it suddenly. Severe palpitations and possible heart attack could occur from rapidly increased blood pressure. If it is an anxiety problem, Atenolol is not the gold standard for treating it. All the best.

Having a-fib episodes lately, with many different things triggering them (such as eating blue cheese, or doing too much yard work, emotional stress, etc.). Doctor said it was OK to use Lorazepam to calm down when the A-fib gets going and overwhelms, and also to use Atenolol on "as needed" basis. However, a sibling with similar heart problems says Atenolol is not to be used "as needed," but must be used on a consistent basis to keep the heart regular. Can somebody with expertise about heart/Atenolol please clarify this so it's clear whether Atenolol is safe to take ONLY AS NEEDED TO QUIET AN A-FIB EPISODE OF RACING, IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi there, nooo... atenolol is not as needed, ask your pharmacist or doctor, they will tell you that when you stop taking it you have to wean yourself off, suddenly stopping this med could have severe consequences to your health, when in doubt as your pharmacist if your doctor is not readily available.

Hey Sherry, I suffered with SVT for 25 years and only managed to catch
It on ECG in 2006 for a clinical diagnosis. If u get regular attacks u might
want to start looking for the trigger. Mine turned out to be the artificial
sweetener aspartame which is in a lot of diet foods and drinks.
Took me awhile to detox from it too but well worth it ! Went from two or three
attacks a week to maybe one or two a year ! Well worth looking into !

I have been taking this for high bp for about 3 months now. I exercise 3 times a week. Before the drug my heart rate would reach 177 and now it only gets to 140. I have also put on 5 pounds since taking this.

I have been on Atenelol for two years and have similar symptoms to yours. How is your progress ? I may need a BP med but without the Beta Blocker. I think that is the thing that brings me down, I am currently beginning to wean off of Citalapram (anxiety/Depression).
Hope all is well with you.

I have been having problems with my asthma, but only since the end of may of this year. In the summer months.. I always tend to have more issues. This year has been the worst. I have been on Atenolol 50mg for over 6 years. I saw a Allergist and he suggested I get the heck off atenolol. My primary is now telling me to stop it all together. I told her I'm not comfy with just stopping it. Everything I read tells me to NEVER stop a beta blocker suddenly.

I had a whole cardiac work up back in July after passing out from asthma. My heart tests all came back fine. I take the atenolol for my blood pressure. She wants to put me on Norvasc.. I'm actually really comfy on atenolol and have never had a problem with the drug. I feel it is not a contributing factor to my asthma. Other wise I would have had issues years ago...

I just don't know if this is true or not? And I'm so scared to just stop taking it. She told me I can cut the atenolol in half. Can you do that too? I really want to tell her to forget about it.. Or wean me.. I don't know what to do. I hear from others it can be difficult to wean off even if you are a healthy adult?

Due to horrible side effects, mostly a persistent upper respiratory infection caused by BP Meds I forced to change. Narrowing it all down I came up with a design of my own. I had been on Exforge 10/160/25 and ended up in the ER with breathing issues.

After discharge I went to my primary care doc and proposed, 12.5mg's of Atenolol, and 40mg Diovan. Minimal doses! I'm at day 5 and its WORKING. I still get some cough, at night but not as bad. The Atenolol has helped with my ADHD BIG TIME. My heart rate sits at around 65BPM and I like that! So it will take some getting used to, but if I stick with low doses I just feel better about it. I cut a 25mg atenolol in half and I feel slower to some degree, but I kinda needed that!

Dear Joshua,

I have found that a generic brand of Xanax made by GREENSTONE seems to work as well, and as quickly, as the name brand. In contrast, a generic made by Mylan did not work at all and I took it back to the pharmacy.

I discussed this once with a pharmacist who said she had worked in the pharmaceutical industry, and she said she always specifically requested Greenstone generics, if available, for herself and her family "because of what I know about how some of the others are made".

I hope this helps,
Ann

Atenolol helped. 40 years old. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol. 7 years ago, I was pretty sure I was having a heart attack. That day my heart rate and blood pressure was really high (they told me). I rushed to the hospital. I was really afraid. I was connected to the heart monitor. The "bips" of every beat made me even more afraid. After check me the doctor said my heart was ok. They gave me some ansiolitic (I guess) and I could rest. Three days later I had another episode.

Insomnia came in to my life. In day time while working I was OK. The anxiety came at time to sleep. Listen and feeling my heartbeats made me afraid so I couldn't sleep. That made me nervous and my heart frequency was incremented by he effect of adrenalin. Sometimes I could sleep until 1 or 2 am only to woke up at 4 or 5 am. Went to the shrink. Prescribed me paroxetin and xanax. Paroxetin made me more anxious and carried side effects (anorgasmia). I discontinued myself the paroxetin. With xanax only I could sleep. Knowing I had some drug that helped made me feel relaxed.

With ATENOLOL, I realized emotions or fear, had no effects on my heart frequency. So that's the way atenolol helped. If I'm anxious my body release adrenalin. Adrenalin increases heart beat. Tachycardia make me more anxious so if atenolol blocks the effect of adrenalin on my heart prevents anxiety. Please feel free to ask for advice. TKS

I was prescribed propanolol "as needed" in case of tachycadia. According to (Liebowitz and col, 1992) can be taken as monodosis or regularly. (searched in google). People with performance anxiety take betablockers before an event.

I have had anxiety attacks for the last 20 years. I tried atenolol and it worked a little but not completely so I had a cardiac ablation. I now take 50 mg atenolol 3 times a day for it. I no longer have the racing heart rate but still have the panic attacks. I wish a doctor would give me xanax but every time I have asked they just look at me like I'm eating babies. Hope this helps.

My story is very similar to yours. Shortly after giving birth, I started having major heart palpitations and, as a result of this, fear and anxiety about having to stop what I was doing and deal with this new heart development. After years of dealing with it, I was finally put on Atenalol and it helped a lot but made me sleepy. So, a cardiologist finally diagnosed me with premature ventricular contraction and put me on flecinide. A wonder drug. Made my heart palpitations go away with no side effects.