atenolol

i am currently taking 50mg twice a day for one week now for anxiety and panic attacks. but i have also been taking small doses of klonopin(weening off of klon.) too during past week.  is there anyone out there who takes atenolol and has sleeping problems associated with it.  i heard it may cause insomnia. it hasnt with me yet.    mindy335   ***@****

[amish1979]

I don't take it, I take another beta blocker.  Having said that, if you haven't been experiencing insomnia within the first week I'd say you are probably in the clear.  A beta blocker doesn't take a long time to reach efficacy like an SSRI does.

[greenlydia]

Hi mindy, and welcome to the forum!
I took atenolol for many years and never had a problem with insomnia, although it is listed as one of the POSSIBLE side effects. But then, so are drowsiness and fatigue. Side effects usually disappear after a few weeks, (+/-) on most meds, but you say this hasn't been a problem for you yet. It's my humble opinion that since it hasn't produced this particular side effect, it probably won't. Most untoward side effects show up fairly soon after beginning a new med. My advice..........stop worrying about it or you WILL find yourself sleepless!
What I can't figure out is why your doctor prescribed atenolol for your anxiety/panic. It is not an anti-anxiety medication, and even it's "unlabeled" uses state nothing about anxiety. I would definitely ask the doc why he gave you an antihypertensive, especially since he knew, (at least I'm hoping he knew) that you were also taking Klonopin.
I was given atenolol for my high blood pressure and Xanax for my panic attacks.......I really think a discussion with your doctor is in order.
Peace
Greenlydia