Atenolol and Dizziness

[AnjelicaJones]

Hey everybody! Was wondering if any of you have experienced the following while on Atenolol: The first few months, my friend seemed to tolerate the 25mg daily dose even with the lack of energy, which he had gotten used to. After five months on the medication, he started experiencing dizzy spells, not the ones where you feel like you are going to pass out, but the ones where you feel like the room is spinning. He decided to stop the medication cold turkey but did not see any improvement. Last week, he started experimenting with the dose, taking half a pill one night, then a quarter the next, and so on. The dizziness has gotten so severe that he can’t even function at work, so he stays home. Could he have developed intolerance to the drug after five months? Or is this something that just comes with the territory? Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[LindaSo]

Angelica,
Has your friend called his MD regarding his symptoms? If not, I would recommend that he do so. There are many different beta blockers out there. Sometimes it just takes getting on the one that works best for him. Experimenting is not a good thing, especially when the symptoms are bad enough that you can't function. Please encourage him to make the call tomorrow.
Linda

[gfox42]

Hi Angelica,
I agree with LindaSo. The best thing would be to call the doc, and quickly -- if your friend can't function, that's a bad thing!

It may be that the problem isn't atenolol at all. But vertigo obviously can really be crippling, and your friend needs to have his HCM treated. Try to get him to call his doctor.

Gordon

[mbcube]

I agree with the others - call the doc, & no experimenting unless he is directed to! My first thought as I read this was that it might not be the medication, and if that was the case (and only his doctor will know), he might have endangered himself. It may have been his ears, dehydration, sugar or mineral imbalance, all or a combination of the above could cause dizziness.

Hope he's doing better!

[Cynaburst]

Yes, room spinning dizziness is usually caused by a problem with the inner ear...it is not usually something that results from beta blockers.

He should absolutely call his doctor.

By the way, one should never stop beta blockers suddenly. That can cause big problems. They need to be tapered down gradually and then stopped.

[AnjelicaJones]

Thank you all for your input. I have already passed on your words of wisdom to my friend. He is planning on flying to Cleveland next month to see Dr. Lever and hopefully he will be able to make some sense out of his unusual set of circumstances...Once again, thanks much and be well :)