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Tenormin (atenolol) is a beta blocker used to treat a number of heart, circulation, and blood pressure problems. Less commonly it may be used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.

Note for migraine patients: beta blockers are often used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. However, not all beta blockers are the same; the active ingredient in this product, atenolol, is not very effective at treating migraines because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Beta blockers such as propranolol or metoprolol are much more suitable.

Understanding Tenormin

Tenormin, like all beta blockers, inhibits the physical effects of the stress hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). This action slows heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure, stabilizes heartbeat rate in some conditions, and ultimately reduces the heart's workload. In this application Tenormin is often used to treat:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate)
• Long QT syndrome (irregular heartbeat)
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

In treating mental conditions like anxiety, Tenormin predominantly reduces physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, trembling voice, excessive sweating and so forth. Because it does little to resolve mental anxiety---racing or obsessive thoughts, worry, and so forth---it is not an ideal long-term treatment on its own, though it may be quite helpful if taken in advance of anticipated triggers, such as a public speaking event or flying.

In most cases treatment with Tenormin starts with 50 mg per day, which may be increased up to 200 mg per day if needed, though it's relatively unusual for patients to need more than 100 mg per day. Dosage will need to be adjusted according to individual factors such as age, other medical conditions, and other medications being taken.

In all cases tablets are typically taken once per day, and may be taken with or without food according to personal preference.

In many of the conditions Tenormin treats other medications will also be taken to treat the same condition, such as diuretics to treat high blood pressure. Any medication that influences heart rate, circulation, or blood pressure has the potential to cause complications if taken with Tenormin (or any beta blocker); it is very important to ensure the doctor prescribing Tenormin is aware of all other medications being taken, and is notified of any changes to the medication regimen.

Precautions & Side Effects

Most patients use Tenormin 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 as the body adjusts to treatment.

Never stop taking this or any other beta blocker abruptly. If discontinuing treatment, consult a doctor about gradually reducing dosage. Abrupt discontinuation can produce serious---even potentially fatal---complications.