I have been taking Atenelol for over 12 months and it seems to keep my BP in check, but on reading Dr. Flippin Google this is a drug that is no longer recommended or advised.Has anyone got experience of this drug?
I'm interested in whether I should request a review as it does seem to be working but if it has negative outcomes I'd like to know.
my late dad was on them for years I think if it was fact based it would have been pulled and not prescribed to anyone but in saying that I wouldn`t know but best to ask the doctor for advice.
I've been on atenolol for years without problems
Dr Google doesn't always explain the full picture of things. There has to be reasons why it would not be recommended and I'm guessing in most cases it's patient specific
There has to be a reason why your doctor chose it as well.
🐬
I thought Dr flippin was a real doctor till you mentioned google.
Kenster
lol... I think the poster is saying is in a funny way, that's how I took it
❤️🐬
my husband was prescribed atenolol 20+ years ago following an angina attack. He’s been taking it every day since then.
I have been on Atenolol for 30 years no issue at all
I came off Atenolol due to swollen ankles ( was on it for 7 months ) and new medication prescribed, swelling disappeared within a week
Atenolol used to be the first line beta blocker for cardiac problems , then Bisoprolol came along which is more cardiac specific to the beta receptors in the heart and everyone changed to that . When I was having a terrible time trying to withdraw from bisopropolol they changed me to atenolol and I had less side effects from that and it enabled me to get off beta blockers . That’s all I am aware of but if in doubt ask your pharmacist
Hi, I’m having problems trying to get off Bisoprolol too and desperately want to due to the debilitating side effects of this medication.
Just looking for some advice on how you managed it please?
Very slowly and very painfully . There is quite a lot of advice on the internet . I dropped a tiny fraction of the tablet weekly and had awful side effects . All sorts of heart arrhythmia , general feelings of weakness, terrible anxiety . The only way I got off at all was the cardiologist changed me to Atenolol . You will find my posts on here . Some people can just stop it, some people have a terrible time, I hope you are the former
Thank you for your reply. Can I ask if you changed over from Bisoprolol to Atenolol like an immediate switch before you completely come off the Bisoprolol? My doctor has already prescribed Dilitazem but thought it was better to wean off the Bisoprolol before starting the Dilitazem, just wondered how you did it.
I stopped the bisoprolol and started the atenolol on the same day . The cardiologist worked out the equivalent dose and I just switched. Then I was able to wean off the atenolol . It wasn’t as bad . I don’t think I would have been able to come off the bisoprolol just straight , my heart was all over the place . Needless to say I now have “don’t give beta blockers” all over my notes
Thank you for that. I’ve been doing the same as you and now down to a third of a tablet so I think I might go for the switch now, just want to be free of the awful Bisoprolol.
I totally agree with your sentiment “don’t give beta blockers “
If you can , I would . I actually got off the bisoprolol but ended up having to call an ambulance . I was red hot all over and could feel my pulse bounding in my lips and my eyes everywhere and the paramedics gave me more to calm it down it was very frightening . It wasn’t so bad on the atenolol
this is what Dr Ai says, not sure if it’s different to Dr Google -
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that has been widely prescribed for hypertension and heart-related issues for decades. However, in more recent years, guidelines have shifted, and atenolol is no longer considered a first-line treatment for high blood pressure in many countries. Here’s why:
Why Is Atenolol Less Favoured Now?
1. Less Effective at Preventing Heart Events – Studies have shown that atenolol, while effective at lowering blood pressure, may not reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke as effectively as other medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics.
2. Potential for Side Effects – It can cause fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, cold extremities, and sometimes dizziness. Beta-blockers can also blunt the body’s natural response to low blood sugar, which is a concern for diabetics.
3. Can Increase Diabetes Risk – Long-term use of beta-blockers (especially older ones like atenolol) has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4. Less Effective at Central Blood Pressure Control – Atenolol primarily lowers peripheral blood pressure but may be less effective at reducing central (aortic) blood pressure, which is more closely linked to cardiovascular risk.
Should You Request a Review?
• If your blood pressure is well controlled, and you have no significant side effects, there may not be an urgent need to switch. However, it’s always worth discussing alternatives with your doctor, especially if you’re on atenolol as a primary BP medication rather than for another heart condition (e.g., post-heart attack, arrhythmia).
• If you have side effects or other risk factors (such as diabetes or metabolic concerns), it might be worth reviewing whether another medication would be better for you.
Bottom Line
Atenolol is not inherently “bad,” but it is now considered outdated for managing high blood pressure alone. If it’s working well for you, there’s no immediate danger, but a discussion with your doctor about newer alternatives might be worthwhile.
Heartfelt thanks for this reply. Your considered response is hugely appreciated.
Hi. I was on Atenanol for 27 years with no problems. However due to guidelines my GP changed me onto Bisoprolol 5 years ago. Maybe you could discuss with a pharmacist and your GP.
I have been on bisoprolol for two years since my diagnosis,and have suffered with really severe head pains for the last eighteen months,I had an appointment with a neurologist yesterday who has written to my GP recommending they exchange my bisoprolol to atenolol ,so still prescribing them.
Hi Parsley56. I took atenolol for over 10 years then changed to 2.5 mg bisoprolol from 2019 after having tachycardia and hypotension. The doctors did not say if atenolol was responsible for the tachycardia and hypotension. I am currently on half the initial dosage of 1.25 mg.
More than 31 years on, only if I need. Tried others, back on, less side effects on my case.
Hi there, Atenolol is a beta blocker and is a effective and safe medication for BP control and for certain heart conditions for years . Google is an American techgiant and the safety of the drug applies basically to American setting and may not apply to U.K. The best thing is to contact and check with your G.P. just to confirm the safety of Atenolol . Hope this small advice is helpful. Regards.
Thankyou, I am grateful for this.
Your GP should be holding medication reviews for you anyway, on a regular basis ..- but if you are worried then by all means you are entitled to request an earlier one...
My review was conducted by a nurse, it seems that if my BP is good, then leave well alone. I shall mention it at my next appt. Thankyou.
I was on Atenolol for quite a while, but the Drs changed it to Sotalol.
Interesting, I'll remember that.
Hi Parsley sorry to hear you are worried about this and I don't blame you! See your GP or if quicker your pharmacist. All I know is my Mum was on this drug at one time and it was changed by the surgery though she had no issues with it. At the time we thought it was a cost issue. However like yourself I have learned it is not really prescribed now. This was many years ago for my Mum so quite surprised you have been prescribed it now. Good luck !
Hi i was on atenolol for about 4 years. I had to come off it as it started giving me the most terrible cramp like pains in my hips, and legs. Apart from that which was intense agony i got on very well with it. Wishing you all the best 😊
Goodness,that's an old one. My gran was on it probably 30 or 40 years ago. I suspect there are better ones now. If it's working that's all that matters.
I have been on atenolol without problem for 24 years. My consultant commented recently that it was an old drug but saw no reason to change it as everything was good. I haven't experienced side effects.
My heart nurse told me never to use Dr Google but to go on the ‘Pumping marvellous’ site instead. Good advice
Dr F Google (or Flippy as he is sometimes known) very often puts an oar in where it is not necessary and scares the bejeebies out of us. He does know some stuff sometimes but his bedside manner can leave a lot to be desired. Best avoid him if possible and go for a person qualified to advise rather than the jack of all trades!
Totally ignore the Ai Guy, he is not even qualified as a Dr. He collects as many old wives tales and fantasies together from the internet and passes them off as some kind of knowledge to be applied with liberal amounts of patented snake oil.
You speak the Truth, Sudden-Shock!😂 who does he think he is?! Thankyou!
My husband’s been on Atenolol for over 20 yrs , only side effect is that he suffers from the cold.His BP is good and he’s Heart rate is within normal range.We’re all different.
Hello I was prescribed at least 20 years ago..I don't take now .. something more up to date
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