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Is There Any Interaction Between Atenolol And Prozac?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014
Question: Hi , I am a 60 year old female who is on Atenolol for high blood pressure. I take 12.5 mg. a day, due to the fact if I take the 25 mg. it lowers my pulse to much. With the 12.5 my blood pressure stays on the high side of normal, but in normal range. But I am concerned that my pulse is still even around 56 some days. I don't have any symptoms with dizzy or anything, just concerns that is to low. I take beta blockers because I have had PVC's and PAC's , which have been checked out many times, and seem to be harmless. I have these with my anxiety. I would love to take my Prozac, but have noticed when I take the Prozac with the Atenolol, it even seems to lower my pulse more. Do you think there could be a better blood pressure med for me to try? Or are you thinking 56 is an OK pulse?
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Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: The heart likes low pulse (without symptoms) Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your concern, which is a common one for patients on beta blockers like atenolol. Because of the way it works, the drug lowers both pulse and blood pressure, both which the cardiovascular system likes, as far as there are no adverse side effects like you mention. Regular aerobic exercise does the same thing. XXXXXXX Armstrong's resting pulse was 38! This was a result of exercise, the heart becomes more efficient at low heart rates. 56 should be fine with activity, there should not be a major interaction between those 2 medications. Hope this helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN Cardiology
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar

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Practicing since :2007

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Is There Any Interaction Between Atenolol And Prozac?

Brief Answer: The heart likes low pulse (without symptoms) Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your concern, which is a common one for patients on beta blockers like atenolol. Because of the way it works, the drug lowers both pulse and blood pressure, both which the cardiovascular system likes, as far as there are no adverse side effects like you mention. Regular aerobic exercise does the same thing. XXXXXXX Armstrong's resting pulse was 38! This was a result of exercise, the heart becomes more efficient at low heart rates. 56 should be fine with activity, there should not be a major interaction between those 2 medications. Hope this helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN Cardiology