I was prescribed Atenolol this morning by my internal medicine doctor. I really like this guy and he said all the right things but now I'm scared to start taking the medicine.

What do I need to know? I have had mildly high blood pressure for a few years and have been checked out various times for it. I also have heart palps and some anxiety. He felt this medication would meet the needs of those issues.

I've also read that a beta blocker might not be the first line medication for hypertension.

Help!

I don't know what your blood pressure is running but it is very important to keep it under control. Many don't realize the silent damage it does until it has already taken it's toll on the heart & kidneys and then it is usually too late to reverse the damage.
There's a wide variety of BP medications with different effects, if one doesn't suit you there are plenty more to try until you find what works best for you with the least side effects. Atenolol is good for those that have palpitations, migraines and anxiety. It can make you feel more tired but some aren't bothered by it at all or find those side effects go away as the body adapts to it.
If you are truly afraid to try it, break a pill in half for the first dose, you can always take the other half later that day...it isn't going to do anything really bizarre to you. Just get started, your doc can always move to another type it this one doesn't work well for you but you have to start somewhere. Good luck!

I have been taking Atenolol for over a year now. Without it, my BP would be like 150s or more over 90s or more - not good. I take .50. I cut the pills in half and take half in the morning and half at night because a whole one would make me feel a little whoozy. It is not uncommon to have a little dizziness when you first start taking BP meds, because it's dropping your BP. But you will adjust. Your doctor probably wants to check your BP again after a few weeks to see how you are doing on it.

I agree it's important to take care of this because if you don't, down the road it can cause problems.

Don't be afraid. You will be fine. You've just joined the hundreds of thousands of people who take BP med. I know of hardly anyone in their 50s who isn't on BP med.

WriterMom

Hi! I have been on a Beta Blocker for years. I have severe hypertension and without my BP meds, I would have surely stroked out by now. Note Owl is right. Uncontrolled BP can have grave manifestations on just about every system of the body. Try splitting your dose like the other ladies suggested. You may feel a little tired in the beginning or you may not. Good luck to you and here's to good health.

CG

Hi......I've taken Atenolol, and three others for HBP for years with no problem. You should be more afraid to NOT take it. You probably won't notice any difference at all, but if you do, hopefully it will be positive! Beta blockers are a miracle drug and are used to treat migraines, cramps, and of course HBP, along with a host of other things. A beta blocker should help your heart palps, which again, are very common. Don't be afraid....TRUST your Dr.........<smile>.

Thanks for the replies here. I did start taking it. I will be seen by my doctor in 4 weeks for an evaluation.

You are right about what HBP can do to our bodies. I look forward to NOT having palpitations and a reduction of anxiety. I realized that my fear of taking this medication was just another part of my anxiety.

Maybe I will start feeling better and don't we all deserve that!