HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Depression, Anxiety And Fatigue After Having Atenolol?

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014

Question: My 20 yr old son takes 25 mg atenolol daily. When he was 13 he had surgery to repair coarctation of the aorta. All has been well with the procedure, and sees his cardiologist yearly. Since, he has been on the atenolol (all these years) he has experienced depression, anxiety, fatique and sleep issues. He has tried anti depressant without success. I recently looked into side effects of atenolol, depression and fatigue was listed. Do you think there is any validation to this? thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,depression can be caused or agravated by atenolol...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I have gone through the medical history of your son.

Yes, it is true that in rare cases, depression, fatigue or other neurological problems are associated with atenolol (or other beta blockers) use. There is a big debate regarding the effect of betablockers on depression (whether they are the cause or aggravate it).

However, I advise as following;
- To talk to a psychologist and to start treatment.
- If psychologist will think that your son's problems are due to beta-blockers use then, you should stop taking atenolol and replace it with another group of medication.

I want to know why your son is taking Atenolol. If he is using it to treat hypertension i would suggest to replace it with a calcium channel blockers (amlodipine).

Hope it helped!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Since his coarctation wasn't found until he was 13, it was to take pressure off the aorta wall. His cardiologist said he probably didn't need the atenolol anymore, but my son says he doesn't like the way he feels without it. Feels like his heart beats too fast. He's been so used to having it all these years.

At one time his cardiologist, said he could 1/2 the dose. Would 1/2 the dose make a difference in how he feels or would he need to just switch to a different RX?

I'm surprised his therapist/GP didn't question the atenolol when he presented for his consult and on going follow ups regarding the depression. thx XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reducing the dose of Atenolol to 12.5mg may help..

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back XXXXXXX!

It's important to talk with your son and his psychologist. Psychotherapy may help him and will reduce his psychological need for Atenolol. Till then don't stop Atenolol because this may aggravate it's dependence on it and exacerbate his depression.

Yes if the dose of Atenolol is reduced to 12.5mg this may help but before doing that I strongly suggest consulting his psychologist (to be shure that his depression symptoms are stable).

Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (17 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your advice. I put in a call to his cardiologist and we are going to discuss with him. Something we need to investigate.

Thanks so much XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you and your son all the best!

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX!

It's always a pleasure to find out that my advice were somehow helpful for you and your son.

Wish you and your family health!
Dr. Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju