Can Cognitive Support Supplement Be Taken While On Atenolol?

Posted on Tue, 29 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 Answered on

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have just been prescribed 25mg of Atenolol for a minor heart fibrillation. I am taking a cognitive support supplement with vinpocentine and ginkgo biloba. The supplement says to consult physician before taking blood thinners or blood-lowering medications. Should I stop taking the supplement?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no expected interaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

there are no expected interactions between atenolol and the supplement, so I can't advise against using it based on a documented interaction. I just want to make clear that most supplements do not have any documented benefit, so using them with drugs increases the risk of side effects without any real benefit.

So in conclusion, although there are no expected interactions between atenolol and the supplements, I don't see the need for a supplement...

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)

Regarding Atenolol, since I am just now starting to take it, I have been informed that it will potentially make me drowsy. As a result, and because the dose should be taken at the same time every day, should I take the single dose at night before going to bed?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you can take it at night if you want

Detailed Answer:
Atenolol may indeed cause drowsiness in up to 10% of patients, so this is a common side effect. 90% or more though won't have drowsiness. Atenolol can be taken once per day so you can take it at night if you want.

Regarding night sleep disturbances, they may occur whether you take it at night or day. You can only find out by trying!

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar