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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Get Off Atenolol For High Heart Rate?

I am trying to get off of the drug atenolol. I was taking Toprol Xl but I was having many problems. Palpitations feeling of hard heartbeat in my neck and chest. Dr switched me to atenolol 50 mg. It worked well for about 9 months then it started to not work again. Started to have palpitations and the hard heartbeat again feeling it in my neck and legs and all. The reason he first put me on it was my heart rate was a little up high 80 s and my blood pressure was running 135/90. I also was having small palpitations every couple of months or so. At the time I was perimenopausal thinking maybe hormones were causing the palpitations. Now the atenolol as I said doesn t work well. The Dr will not take me off because he says it will get worse but he doesn t have any answers for me. I decided to decrease the pills myself. I went down to 25 mgs. after a couple weeks I felt a little better. Then I went down to 12.5 mg and same reaction felt bad for a week or two then got better. Waited awhile and bumped down to 6 mg that was ok too. I actually felt better than when on the 50mg. My blood pressure has remained ok 120/80. Heart rate has increased again to high 80 s. Now I tried to bump down again to 3 mg. Doesn t seem to be working well palpitations have come back and feel heavy heartbeat again. Not sure what to do now. Can I not ever get off of these pills I really don t feel good taking them. Thank you for your help. Also do they increase chances of diabetes? I don t have any other health issues no other medications. I am 51 years old.
Tue, 4 Apr 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

It is important to work with your doctor when making any changes to your medication regimen, including tapering off of atenolol. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially serious health consequences.

If you are experiencing side effects or your medication is not working as effectively, it is important to communicate this to your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

As for the potential link between atenolol and diabetes, some studies have suggested that beta-blockers like atenolol may increase the risk of developing diabetes or worsen glucose control in people with diabetes. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the risk may vary depending on individual factors.

If you are concerned about the risk of developing diabetes or worsening your blood sugar control while taking atenolol, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing the medication and work with you to manage any potential side effects or risks.

Ultimately, it is important to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan for tapering off of atenolol or finding a different medication that works better for you.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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How To Get Off Atenolol For High Heart Rate?

Hi, It is important to work with your doctor when making any changes to your medication regimen, including tapering off of atenolol. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially serious health consequences. If you are experiencing side effects or your medication is not working as effectively, it is important to communicate this to your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication. As for the potential link between atenolol and diabetes, some studies have suggested that beta-blockers like atenolol may increase the risk of developing diabetes or worsen glucose control in people with diabetes. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the risk may vary depending on individual factors. If you are concerned about the risk of developing diabetes or worsening your blood sugar control while taking atenolol, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing the medication and work with you to manage any potential side effects or risks. Ultimately, it is important to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan for tapering off of atenolol or finding a different medication that works better for you. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician