Advice on beta blockers

A very small dosage (12.5mg/day) of atenolol is very helpful to me.

There is a huge variation in these conditions and responses to drugs, unfortunately.

But it can work.

I had all the bad reactions possible but it did control my bp. My husband also takes them, no problems. My legs and feet were itching, i had insomnia, depression, weight gain, etc. worth a try, but keep in mind u need to get off them gradually. Good luck

I did not have a good experience with Atenolol. I had uncontrollable depression symptoms. I had to get off them. I was only on 10mg. I went and seen a cardiologist and she said my BP was fine and I didnt need them. She confirmed that they cause serious depression. Just be careful.

thank you everyone for your replies back!! yea my bp is slightly raised but been getting ringing in my ear. I mostly want it for the palpitations but... my heart rate is normal... worried it might effect that too. i hate meds all together.

Hi, Christina, it depends, if you already have a cardiologist, maybe you already have a problem? they do slow the heart rate and get bp down a bit, and stop irregularity, it is just that they do have side effects for some people. i had bad side effects but have to use them sometimes, to calm the heart and stop irregularity, but now i know their effects i keep the dose very low, just when they are needed, not a perfect solution, but not yet found a better alternative

christina69014...There isn't anything worse than taking a medication that either upsets or makes us feel sick. You stated you are experiencing palpitations. By all means, you should report this to your cardiologist. As for taking a beta-blocker only he/she and you can decide what would be best for you. Some people don't have any problems with a beta-blocker, while others do. I for one, could not take Metropolol because it gave me a terrific headache. I knew it was the Metropol because at the same time each day, I'd get the headache. You could set your watch by it. When I stopped taking the Metropolol, the headaches stopped. To be quite honest, the headaches were so bad, they frightened me. About a year or so later, my then-doctor prescribed Atenolol 50mg/day. I have not had any problems with it. A pharmacist friend of mine kindly explained the difference between the two. One (the Metropolol) is fat soluable, whereas the Atenolol is not...& that can make the difference to how the patient may feel.

Do consult the cardiologist.

Be very weary of beta blockers! I was on Metoprolol for two weeks and had very bad side effects: sleep disturbances, weight gain (probably b/c the medication raises your blood sugar, so you're always hungry), depression. And it did not work for my symptoms (I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia). After two weeks I was switched to calcium channel blocker (Cartia, which is an extended release form of diltiazem). That has been working much better with no side effects.

Through this message board I learned that there are different types of beta blockers: those that cross the blood-brain barrier, and those that do not. Metoprolol is in the category that crosses the blood brain barrier. I really felt it messed with my brain..

Take a hard look at your dietary habits: do you consume caffeine? Stop consuming it. Do you eat a lot of carbs and sugar? Cut out the sugar, limit your carbohydrates. Making these modifications could help reduce palpitations without resorting to medications.

Exercise every day. Reduce stress.

Hope this helps.