Atenolol is a prescription medication used to lower high blood pressure or prevent symptoms of chest pain (angina). This medication is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers and works by decreasing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels. This allows your heart to pump blood more easily throughout your body, decreasing the amount of stress on the heart. Speak with your doctor to discuss atenolol drug side effects before beginning treatment with this medication.
Dizziness
While receiving treatment with atenolol, you can experience dizziness as a side effect of this medication. Such sensations may become most apparent when you attempt to stand up or sit up quickly. Lightheadedness or dizziness can cause you to become unstable when you walk or may make standing difficult. Some people may also experience episodes of fainting due to dizziness. Side effects of dizziness associated with atenolol use are temporary and will subside with recurrent treatment. To prevent additional injury from falling, be sure to sit down and allow sensations of dizziness to pass before attempting to walk or stand.
Fatigue
This medication works by decreasing the rate at which your heart pumps blood through your body. As a result of this effect, your body's cells and tissues may not receive the energy and nutrients from your blood as quickly as usual. This can cause you to experience side effects of fatigue or abnormal tiredness while receiving treatment with atenolol. You may find that you have difficulty completing your work responsibilities or may need to go to bed earlier than usual in order to feel refreshed in the morning.
Weakness
Treatment with atenolol can contribute to side effects of weakness in certain patients. You may find it difficult to participate in your usual physical activities such as walking or running. Seemingly simple tasks such as lifting your child or a bag of groceries may become abnormally challenging for you while you are taking this medication.
Nausea
After taking a dose of atenolol, you can experience stomach upset as a side effect of this medication, explains Medline Plus, an informational medical website sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Such side effects can include nausea and diarrhea, which may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating or cramping. Nausea and diarrhea can also contribute to a decreased appetite in certain patients.
Cold Extremities
While receiving treatment with atenolol, you might develop abnormal sensations of coldness within your extremities. This medication can decrease the rate at which blood flows to your fingers and toes causing them to feel unusually cold frequently. Speak with your doctor immediately if you notice that your fingernails, toenails or palms appear blue in color, advises Drugs.com, an informational, peer-reviewed website.
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