Atenolol Beta Blocker Side Effects

If you have experienced chest pain, very high blood pressure or a recent heart attack, your doctor may have put you on Atenolol. Atenolol is a beta blocker, which means that it can relieve certain heart or blood vessel problems. At the same time, Atenolol can cause various side effects, many of them serious. Therefore, a doctor should weigh the pros and cons of going on Atenolol before prescribing it for a patient.

Purpose of Atenolol

• Atenolol is part of a group of prescription drugs called "beta blockers," which are used to treat several conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. Atenolol is prescribed to relieve chest pain, reduce high blood pressure, and improve the chances of survival after a heart attack, but it comes along with many risks and possible side effects.

Serious Side Effects

• Atenolol can cause several serious side effects and must therefore be monitored carefully. These side effects include chest pain, fainting spells, numbness in the extremities, worsening of asthma or heart issues, confusion and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Each of these side effects should prompt quick attention from a doctor, who will ascertain whether you should be taken off the medicine.

Allergic Reactions

• Atenolol can cause moderate or severe allergic reactions, including rashes, hives, swelling, wheezing, itching, or problems with breathing or swallowing. These reactions should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately for further examination and so that alternatives can be weighed.

Common, Less Serious Side Effects

• Atenolol can lower blood pressure to an unhealthy level or slow the heart rate. A large percentage of people who take Atenolol may also experience tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, cold extremities or depression.

Less Common Side Effects

• There are several side effects that are less common, but that still occur in 2 to 4 percent of people taking Atenolol. These include leg pain, vertigo, feeling lightheaded, nausea, diarrhea and increased dreaming. In addition, they may experience a decrease in blood pressure when moving from a prone position to a standing position.