New with questions about Atenolol

[BrokenPunk]

I was Dx with HCMA the other day and the DR gave me a script for Atenolol 25mg once a day.. I am a little worried about starting this med because he didnt really go into detail as to why i need to take it with this condition.. and i am worried about the side effects... ( i have heard/read some horror stories about it..) i dont have high BP and my heartrate has been kept in check with xanax .25mg 3 times a day ( i am a very anxious person) i have no blockage when my HR gets high.. so i dont really understand why i need this med..

is there anything anyone wants to share with me about Atenolol? good or bad id like to get as much info on it as i can before i just start taking it..

[Glen Beamish]

BrokenPunk, first welcome to the site, your going to get all kind of advice here.
Atenolol is a on a long list of Beta Blockers. Beta Blockers can be taken for many different heart conditions and basically I believe is a miracle drug for many such as us with HCM.
People with HCM typically have a hard pounding beat because the heart must work harder to overcome the stiffness in the thickened heart muscle.
Atenolol slows and softens your heart beat which allows the chambers to fill better and work more efficiently.
I really can't recall too many horror stories from this forum and the good this drug does far out ways any of the stories you would have heard.
Just what did you hear?
I've taken several Beta Blockers, but Atenolol was my favorite as I seem to feel best when I was on it. I had to switch to another Beta Blocker because it slowed my heart rate down too much.
I think what I here most here is that Beta Blockers can make you more forgetful and lethargic.
Personally, I am more forgetful, but not really more lethargic.
I'm sure others will let you know there experience.
I have taken Beta Blockers for over 30 years now and really believe my quality of life is much better with them.

[Reenie]

I think Glen answered you pretty well. The main reason for the drug is to soften the heart beat, not slow it down or control blood pressure. If in doubt, always ask your doctor why he's doing things. You can also call Lisa Salberg at 973-983-7429 and she can help you with starting to understand HCM. You've come to a good place for information and support.

Reenie

[Lisa Salberg]

Most patients with HCM are on medication, and honestly I wish those who were not would take at least a small dose of betablockers. BB slow the heart rate and allow the heart to relax more between beats. We have thick hearts that relax poorly - with BB we relax the heart and limit pressures within the heart.
I often tell people that they are not simlpy taking the medication for today you are taking it for 5-10-15-20 years down the road.
Personally I have been on BB for about 20 years with no problems at all.
Any questions please call the office.
Best wishes,
Lisa

[eatwell]

I've been on atenolol, currently 12.5mg once a day, for over 15 years. UP to 50mg BID prior to surgery (still lower than many peope, but I'm thin). I've been on a few other BB but like atenolol the best. I've never had a problem. They keep me on it now, post myectomy, mainly as a precautionary treatment. I'm no longer obstructive and my rhythm is normal, but HCM remains.

I do carry around a BP of only 90/50's but I'm used to it now.

laura

[BrokenPunk]

thanks for the info everyone.. most of the bad things i had heard about this med were (bad cramps and stomach upset, mental fog and memory problems) i didnt read any of those things on this forum just around the net.. and i also dont know the dose these people were on... i know you cant always trust the info you get on the net.. but what i am most worried about is the effect it may have on my memory.. I have MS and my short term memory is really poor as it is from that disease and i really dont want to add more memory problems..

since this is a med for the heart why can it effect the brain in that way?

[Glen Beamish]

This is just my theory, maybe someone else may have a more scientific answer.
BB suppresses adrenalin and that is why your heart beats softer.
You brains memory relies on adrenalin to work.

[Lisa Salberg]

The effect is not really on the brain it is fatigue that causes an inability to retain information for some. I have not had any problem in this area. A trial of meds for 30 - 45 days is a nice thought. You have to stay on it for a solid 2 weeks to allow your body to adjust and yes in those 1st 2 weeks you may be a bit tired - but NORMALLY after the 1st 2 weeks you adjust. You do not need to commit forever BUT if you can not tolorate it you must go off of it slowly.

Best wishes,
Lisa

[kerry]

My experience with BB was not very good. I took Inderal in increasing doses and experienced depression. The depression lifted as soon as I stopped taking the med. Twenty years later we tried Atenolol and the depression started to creep in so I use the Calcium Channel Blocker Verapimil. I take 180mg 3X/day. I do not know the mechanism of the BBs, but the CCB works on smooth muscle tissue. As a result the heart can relax and fill more easily.

As you can see, each of us responds differently to these meds and a trial run can help you to determine which works best for you. It may take about three weeks to acclimate so give it some time.

Kerry

[Sarah]

Inderal is the worst and first betablocker ever and does not compare to the others.

i'm more concerned that you have a doctor who doesn't answer/explain stuff to you. it is more important that you find someone who understands HCM and who will take the time to make sure you know why you are taking what you are taking. you can email the HCMA office for help finding a doctor.

as for atenolol, it won't hurt you to see if you feel better for a month or so and if you don't, talk to your doctor about weening yourself off of it.

it does/can help a LOT and just b/c a side effect happened to someone doesn't mean it will happen to you. it is key to not go cold turkey due to rebound effect, but otherwise quite safe drugs overall.

take care,

s