I'm new here. Atenolol is causing terrible side effects

[gloucester]

After one episode of my heart going at 200 a minute for 24hrs over 10 years ago, where my heart had to be stopped and restarted, I was prescribed Atenolol to keep it under control. However, the side effects are killing me: muscle pain in arms and legs, pains in my joints and I can hardly move my hands. I also haven't slept since then. I'm surprised that the GPs I've had since then have never thought to question why I was getting all these bad side effects. My quality of life is zero and am dragging myself around like a bag of cement. My question is: Do I still need to take this medication? My GP is scared to change it, just in case something happens. I will hopefully be seeing a cardiologist soon but have seen loads over the last few years and they never said to change it. Help! Thanks.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! My first question when people say they are getting symptoms. from drug A is are you you on any other medication? Sometimes you find it is a common side effect from drug B!

Atenolol is an older beta blocker not particularly known for side effects and yours are not listed in the PIL (patient information leaflet) which is why I ask.

[gloucester in reply to MichaelJH]

Yes, I was taking Levothyroxin e50mg a day but the specialist told me to stop and wait to see if I really do have an underactive thyroid. Was also taking Atorvastatin 20mg a day to reduce my cholesterol, but stopped it after a few years because it wasn't reducing it enough - I am still in great pain so it can't have been that. I know my Vit D is low and specialist will ask my GP to prescribe me some but have been asking him for months to do this and he never did. I also have costocondritis, which scares me so much because I actually wondering if I'm having a heart attack. I've had chest and rib pain for weeks now and no meds work. Yet I had an echogram on Sat and surely the professional would have picked up a heart attack? I'm a mess! Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

[Hidden]

It sounds like you had an episode of SVT, and you’ve subsequently been quite lucky to get it under control after only one episode. There are plenty of alternatives you can take to prevent further episodes, any other beta blocker for starters, or even a calcium channel inhibitor. I’m not sure why you haven’t been referred in sooner to change the meds, assuming that the meds are the actual issue: as per other replies, other than the sleep disturbance, what you’re describing are not common (or even listed) side effects of atenolol. I’m assuming the GP has done tests to ensure that there’s nothing else going on to explain your symptoms?

[gloucester in reply to Hidden]

Charlie, I was prescribed it in Italy years ago, and I just continued taking it everywhere I lived. It's only because I have now got an Italian GP that I mentioned it to him and he told me it was an old medication. I have lots of other health issues. Thanks.

[gloucester]

Thanks. I was actually wondering myself what the point of these forums was. Everyone will just add their experiences, I suppose. I would prefer to wait to see a specialist.

[Hidden]

I’m really sorry you are going through such a hard time, I hope you feel better soon and get some good advice. One day at a time you will get there

[gloucester in reply to Hidden]

Thanks MisLissa. x

[Peony4575]

Hi Gloucester I am withdrawing from atenolol and it has caused me joint and muscle pain amongst other things