Atenolol is a medicine often recommended to treat heart related conditions. It is a beta blocker that affects the heart and improves blood circulation. Its brand name is Tenormin and it is available as a tablet in the market. Atenolol is also prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), chest pain (angina), anxiety and migraines. This drug is also useful in treating abnormal rapid heart rhythms and other coronary heart diseases and heart attacks, as it stimulates the heart to beat faster. Side Effects The unwanted effects of this beta blocker vary depending on the quantity of the drug taken, how frequently it is used, and the health of the patient. They are discussed below: Serious side effects are bothersome and can be life-threatening, and hence should be immediately reported to the doctor, to limit damage caused. However, the good news is that treatment with atenolol rarely gives rise to any serious side effects. In other words, atenolol treatment carries a small risk of serious harm. Some of the potentially serious complications are listed below:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Worsening of asthma or chronic bronchitis
• Dizziness (loss of consciousness)
• Confusion and sweating
• Worsening of heart disease
• Insomnia
• Irregular heartbeat (the heartbeat is uneven and may be slower than normal)
• Numbness or tingling experienced in the feet or hands
• Impotence (desire for sex decreases)
• Dark urine
• Fatigue (lack of energy)

Pregnant women should avoid taking atenolol, as abnormalities in the fetus may develop, if the drug is taken. The medicine can harm the unborn baby as atenolol can contaminate breast milk. Other negative effects of this medication, that require immediate medical attention, include vision problems, difficulty in breathing, shakiness, depression, unexplained rash, and ankle swelling. In case of serious side effects the doctor may ask you to reduce the dose of atenolol (dosage adjustment) to make it a safe medicine. Recent studies have suggested some unwanted effects of atenolol associated with patients who recently experienced a heart attack and for people who have high blood pressure. They are as follows

• Low blood pressure
• Heart rate slows down
• Tiredness
• Cold hands and feet
• Shortness of breath

Some side effects of this medication that do not cause any potentially serious problem are as follows:

• Leg pain
• Lethargy
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Headache
• Increased dreaming (nightmares)

Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases should not abruptly stop atenolol, as sudden discontinuation of the medicine can worsen the condition of the diseases. Doctors may ask you to reduce the dosage of atenolol gradually before discontinuing the medicine. Rare side effects such as constipation, abdominal cramps and diarrhea are also reported by patients. Atenolol should always be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take the medicine in large amounts without consulting the doctor. While undergoing atenolol treatment, it is essential to monitor the blood pressure. This will help diagnose any side effects caused by the medicine.