Atenopress (atenolol) is a beta blocker used to help manage high blood pressure, angina, and other cardiovascular issues. It also reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety, though it does not impact the mental symptoms.

Atenopress works by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces strain on the heart. This can provide significant benefit, but patients should be aware that regardless of what's it used for it will lower blood pressure; patients with normal to low blood pressure should use it with caution, or consider alternative products.

This medication is intended for patients age 18 and up; effects on younger bodies are unclear and use is not recommended in anyone under age 18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should likewise avoid taking Atenopress unless absolutely necessary; it may cause harm.

Treating Cardiovascular Conditions

Patients should see a doctor prior to starting treatment with Atenopress. A doctor can take into account the many personal variables that can influence dosage, including other medical conditions and other medications being taken, both of which can be quite significant.

In most patients, treatment guidelines are:

• Start with 50 mg per day for two weeks, at which time effects should be evaluated.
• If needed dosage may be increased to 100 mg per day for two weeks, then effects evaluated.
• Most people find 50 to 100 mg to be sufficient. Rarely it may be increased to 200 mg per day.
• Tablets are typically taken once per day, but may be divided into two smaller daily doses.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food as desired.

For cardiovascular conditions treatment should be regular and continuous; tablets should be taken daily, usually over the long term. It is unusual for tablets to be taken for less than several months or years, assuming no serious side effects develop. Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

If treatment has persisted past a few weeks, it should not be ended abruptly. Dosage should be gradually reduced over several weeks. Failure to do so can lead to very serious, even potentially fatal, complications.

Treating Anxiety

For anxiety Atenopress is typically taken as-needed. It does nothing to alleviate mental effects of anxiety---racing thoughts, worry, etc---but it can significantly reduce or eliminate physical symptoms of anxiety, including:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling voice
• Muscle tension
• Difficulty breathing

While the medication is not ideal as a long-term anxiety treatment, it works well if taken prior to a triggering event, such as prior to public speaking or prior to flying. In some cases, such as after a traumatic event or very stressful times, Atenopress can be taken for several consecutive days or a few weeks. Again, though, it will not alleviate mental effects.

Treatment is usually:

• Dosage ranges from 12.5 mg to 100 mg; the majority of patients find 25 to 50 mg effective.
• Take a dose about one hour prior to anticipated anxiety.
• A single dose may suffice, or if needed treatment may continue for several consecutive days.

Medications that do address mental effects can be taken along with Atenopress, though patients are advised to double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing Atenopress with any other medication.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Most patients use Atenopress without any issues; unfortunately some medical conditions do put patients at increased risk of complications from this medication. Dosage will likely need to be adjusted and regular doctor checkups needed to monitor for developing complications if there is any history of:

• Diabetes
• Low blood pressure
• Any heart problems
• Any circulation problems
• Any muscle disorders
• Kidney or liver problems
• Any thyroid disorders
• Chronic breathing ailments, such as asthma or COPD

In otherwise healthy patients side effects are unusual and, if experienced at all, typically mild. Most commonly reported are:

• Tiredness
• Sweating
• Cold hands or feet
• Lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Wheezing
• Mild confusion

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe. Many are the result the newly-lowered blood pressure and will stop occurring in a week or two as the body adjusts to treatment.