Atenolol

What is Atenolol?

Atenolol is a type of medication used to control high blood pressure. Although the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown, you are more at risk of developing the condition if you are overweight, consume too much alcohol, don’t exercise, have a relative with high blood pressure, or are of African or Caribbean descent.

What if high blood pressure is not treated?

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a stroke, heart attack or kidney disease. Atenolol lowers blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the strain on the heart caused by high blood pressure.

Can you take Atenolol for Migraines?

Prescription of a low-dose of atenolol for migraines is increasingly common. Atenolol, like other beta-blockers, reduces blood pressure. Whilst the precise cause of migraines is not yet understood, it is thought that it may be to do with blood pressure in the brain and several beta-blockers have been proven to have a positive effect upon migraines.

How Affective is Atenolol for Anxiety?

Beta-blocker medications, such as Atenolol are commonly prescribed to the treatment of anxiety symptoms. The physical symptoms of anxiety are caused by the action of a chemical, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), on the body. Atenolol blocks the effects of noradrenaline, reducing the breathlessness, palpitations and increased heart rate that are associated with anxiety. Prescription of Atenolol for anxiety does not directly treat anxiety, but can have a significant effect upon its associated symptoms.

Atenolol is the active ingredient which slows the heart rate to control high blood pressure.

The recommended dose of Atenolol for treatment of high blood pressure is usually 50-100mg once a day.Take Atenolol exactly as advised by your doctor.

Atenolol Side Effects

Common side effects associated with the use of Atenolol include a slow heartbeat, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness and stomach pain.In rare cases, atenolol side effects include cold hands and feet, nightmares, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness, rashes, breathing difficulties.Refer to the Atenolol patient information leaflet for a complete list of cautions and side effects.