Isn't 100mg of Atenolol (beta blocker) A little too much for a 19 year old boy?

Question

My son was prescribed 25mg of atenolol and the doctor said to take 2 in the morning and 2 after 8 hours from taking the other 2. He has anxiety because his heart was always racing so the doc put him on this. Im conerned because what if theres a day if he dosnt have anxiety would his heart rate get too low.?

**also Does this medication constrict blood vessels?..that is what my wife has said, and im VERY WORRIED because he smokes too.**

Answer 1

GENERIC NAME: atenolol
BRAND NAME: Tenormin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Atenolol blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system, a portion of the involuntary nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the pace of the heart beat. By blocking the action of these nerves, atenolol reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Atenolol also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, atenolol reduces heart muscle oxygen demand. Since angina occurs when oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply, atenolol is helpful in treating angina.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Atenolol is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat chest pain (angina pectoris) related to coronary artery disease. Atenolol is also useful in slowing and regulating certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates (tachycardias). Other uses for atenolol include the prevention of migraine headaches and the treatment of certain types of tremors (familial or hereditary essential tremors).

DOSING: Should be taken before meals or at bedtime.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Atenolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), atenolol can cause dangerously slow heart rates, and even shock. Atenolol reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. Calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Lanoxin) can cause lowering of blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels when administered together with atenolol. In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping atenolol can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue atenolol, its dosage can be reduced gradually over several weeks. Atenolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes. It is not habit forming.

PREGNANCY: Atenolol may cause harm and growth retardation in the fetus when given to pregnant women.

SIDE EFFECTS: Atenolol is generally well tolerated, and side effects are mild and transient. Rare side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, dreaming, memory loss, fever, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.

Answer 2

If that's what his doctor prescribed, then it's unlikely to be too much. If your son told his doctor that he smokes, he was seriously advised to quit and offered help to do so. But the doctor would have taken that into account before writing a prescription.

My question, though, is why a doctor would prescribe a beta blocker instead of helping your son to deal with this anxiety problems. Your son should get a second opinion, being absolutely honest with his doctor and asking if he should instead be treating his possible anxiety disorder.

Answer 3

Naw He Will Be Ok...Im 19 with anxiety too, And i aint gonna jus copy and paste nothing from the net cus dat dont help.Imma tell you whut i know, Ive been smoking weed since 11 yrs. and smokin newports since i was 15, I also am taking anxiety pills; and about not having anxiety his heart rate will be slow but he will be alright he jus will be dragging pretty much high of medication..lol I quit smoking and drinking for new years. And no it dont construct blood vessels it actually It helps The Vessels.

Answer 4

i thought this drug was for heart problems, not anxiety.