Atenolol v Diltiazem

[Pippa80]

I have been taking Diltiazem for about 3 years to control my heart rate because of AF.

However, my ankles and feet have become more swollen recently and I cannot get my wedding ring on either.

My GP has suggested I take Atenolol instead. The other alternative is to increase the water tablet. He was reluctant to do this because of extra pressure on my kidneys.

He has advised me to stop the Diltiazem straight away and start the Atenolol rather than weaning me off gradually.

I was wondering if anyone who has taken Atenolol, could give advice as to any side effects.

I am reluctant to change medication because Diltiazem has been successful in lowering my heart rate and blood pressure but my ankle and feet swelling has become a problem.

Any advice please?

[Happyrosie]

personally I had no side effects from Atenolol other than a reduced heart rate, which would be expected. Nor when I was switched to something else did I have any side effects.

[Pippa80 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for your reply. I am glad you didn’t have any side effects. I am always nervous about changing medication.

[Traveldreams]

I had a reaction to atenelol . Was put on it for high blood pressure. May or may not have worsened heart failure (depending on cardiologist) certainly made my left leg swell to about 3 times the size and it was so painful that I struggled to walk for 3 weeks. I was told it was rare to prescribe nowadays and they switched to Bisoprolol.

[Pippa80 in reply to Traveldreams]

Thank you for your reply. Sorry to reply so late. Hope you are OK now

[Aztec632]

Hi I am on atenolol 25mg and have been for over 20 years! I take it to control heart rate. It works very well for me.These days I cut the pill in half and find that's all I need. Strangely though this has been since they have been from a different manufacturer. For years they were from Brisol Labs but my pharmacy can't get those anymore and the ones I have now are manufactured by Crescent.

The only side effects I have ever had is slight tiredness but that's just due to Atenolol doing it's job snd slowing you down, although I do have other medical conditions which contribute to my tirednes.

So...personally Atenolol gets a 👍

[Pippa80 in reply to Aztec632]

Thank you for your reply. I am pleased you are getting on well with Atenolol. Sorry I am late in replying.

[Incah]

I've been on atenalol for 10 yrs , no problems at all . You should be fine .you can monitor and see how it goes.. x

[Pippa80 in reply to Incah]

Thanks for your reply and reassurance. sorry for the delay in replying to you.

[tayyibnaseem]

i was taking atenolol after my kindey for next 6-year

Then my GP replaced it with Losartan, which is bit mild than atenolol. But I was also ok with Atenolol.

[Pippa80 in reply to tayyibnaseem]

Thanks for your reply.I take Losartan as well as Atenolol. I am sorry for the delay in replying to you. I have not been feeling too good.

[tayyibnaseem in reply to Pippa80]

keep track your blood pressure 3-4 time a day