Can someone tell me? I have bad anxiety (GAD) and my bp was 161/101. The doc gave me ateolol, 25mg twice a day to help with bp and anxiety. I'm already on xanax. How long before it should take effect? I haven't seen any significant reduction in anxiety with it, but I've only been on it 2 days. Does it have to get into the body for a while before it takes effect or should it work shortly after taking it? HelpPLEASE!
janetlee
Atenolol takes affect right away, I was on it for some time before starting antidepressants. It shouldn't reduce your anxiety, just the phsyical symptoms of anxiety (heart rate, palpitations, high blood pressure, etc...)
Hallo janetlee and welcome to HW. Ali is right. My husband was prescribed Atenolol for his high blood pressure.
I don't take atenolol, but I'm on another beta blocker called toprol. They work similarly. It really helps me with the pounding heart feeling that I feel when I get nervous. Usually when I feel that, I tend to go into a panic. I take it as needed (like if I am going to do a speech, I will take it 3 days in a row prior to my test) It usually takes me that long to feel that lessened pounding heart.
*Steph*
*Steph*
Janet,
Atenolol is a great drug. I really do not think I would be alive if not for it. It slows down your heartrate and lowers blood pressure. I took atenolol 25mg for 9 years. Just switched to Toprol 50mg. It's also great...better than atenolol because it works around the clock. Atenolol is great though, fine for starting off with.
To tell you the truth, Beta blockers(atenolol) are the only drugs I have ever taken that have helped my anxiety.
The anti's like Zoloft, Lexapro, Imimpramine etc...all suck.
Xanax did help a lot. I now take clonopan and it does nothing.
Atenolol will help you a lot!
Thank you all so much. Actually, the doc's given me 50mg 2x a day...thought it was half that...oh well. I still feel anxy though. But any measure of relief is better than nothing!
janet
janet
Janet.......Welcome to HW........all above input is great and I know you will find this a great support system here........Just wanted to say hello and Welcome ........Keep on posting and let us know how you are ......God Bless.....Lyn
Thanks everyone! I really and truly appreciate all your input! 
janet