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Anxiety Side Effects of Atenolol

Atenolol, or Tenormin, is a type of beta-blocking medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart attack and cases of anxiety. Prescribed in 25, 50 or 100mg tablets, atenolol is most often given in the smallest dosage in cases of anxiety. Although atenolol tends to have fewer side effects than many other drugs given for anxiety, like many antidepressants, the drug can still cause adverse reactions in individuals taking the medication.

  1. Allergic Reactions

    • In some cases, atenolol can cause an allergic reaction. If you develop hives, have difficulty breathing or notice sudden swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat, notify your doctor immediately. An allergic reaction to any medication when not treated can lead to stronger, more long-term side effects.

    Pain

    • Patients taking atenolol have reported leg pain, nausea, stomach pain and chest pain as side effects of taking the drug. All of these symptoms can be signs of other problems--especially cardiovascular issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

    Depression

    • Although used to treat anxiety, atenolol, in some cases, can cause other mental health-related issues like depression. If you suddenly become overly tired, have trouble sleeping or find yourself even more anxious than before, contact your doctor. These symptoms can all be side effects of taking atenolol and may require a re-evaluation of dosage or a change in medication.

    Cardiovascular Issues

    • The most serious but usually most rare side effects of atenolol are related to the cardiovascular system. Atenolol can cause a patient to have slow, uneven heartbeats, resulting in a slowing of oxygen to the brain. This side effect is often accompanied by a light-headed feeling and sometimes fainting. Other symptoms that can be a cardiovascular side effect include: swelling in the ankles and feet and coldness in the hands and feet. Both side effects can be symptoms of circulatory or cardiovascular issues.

    Other Side Effects

    • Other side effects of atenolol are less common but have been reported in some cases. If you experience shortness of breath after only mild exertion, loss of appetite, a low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stool or a yellowing of the skin or eyes, also known as jaundice, notify your doctor immediately, as these may be signs of more serious symptoms. In rare cases, the use of atenolol has also been linked to a decreased sex drive, impotence and difficulty achieving orgasm.

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