Atenolol, also known as Tenormin, is a prescription drug classified as a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack). It is typically used in concert with other medications and specifically works by decreasing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels, which results in the heart not having to work so hard to pump blood throughout the body. While atenolol generally is well tolerated, it does have side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most commonly experienced side effects from taking this medication include fatigue, vertigo or lightheadedness, and blurred vision. Other frequently reported adverse reactions to this drug involve the respiratory system; that is, labored breathing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Your doctor should be notified if you experience any of these side effects.
Tiredness and Cold Extremities
During clinical trials for this drug, according to EMedTV, the most frequently reported side effect experienced by up to 26 percent of patients was extreme tiredness. Also, up to 12 percent of patients reported having cold hands or cold feet during the clinical trials. Keep in mind that atenolol is an anti-hypertensive drug that decreases the action of the heart in pumping nutrients and nourishing blood to all cells throughout the body. This slower rate at which the entire body gets replenished may be associated with producing the major effect of tiredness. Let your physician know if this symptom significantly impairs your activities of daily living so that adjustments can be made.
Hypotension and Bradycardia
Since atenolol is an anti-hypertensive drug, it is not surprising that one effect found in patients during the clinical trials was that of being hypotensive or having low blood pressure (up to 25 percent). Additionally, many patients (up to 18 percent) developed a slow heart rhythm or heart rate, known as bradycardia. Instead of the typical heart rate of 60 to 100 times per minute, bradycardia is when the heart beats less than 60 times per minute. These effects are not unexpected, nor are they automatically life-threatening. Speak to your physician about anticipated reactions when considering this medication.
Dizziness and Depressed Mood
During the clinical trials, up to 13 percent of patients taking atenolol reported experiencing dizziness as an adverse reaction. This physical reaction can occur when standing up or sitting up very quickly (postural hypotension), and usually subsides with time as the body gets adjusted to the medicine. Therefore, individuals starting this medication should move to an upright position slowly, so as not to be unsteady when standing or walking. Additionally, atenolol is not without some documented psychological effects, namely, depression. Up to 12 percent of patients during the clinical trials experienced this negative mood change. If you have a previous history of a depressive disorder, then your physician needs to be fully aware of this concern when discussing treatment options.
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