ATENOLOL VS CARDURA

Posted By william on March 21, 1999 at 11:01:02:







Because I was having some problems with "Atenolol" after taking it for about one year (hot flashes, difficulty with achieving and maintaining an erection, drowsines), my Doctor switched me to "Cardura". She explained to me that it was an Alpha-blocker but explained little else. I had been on 100mg of Atenolol. She is now easing me off of the Atenolol. I am taking 75mg for three days, 50mg for three days, and 25mg for three days; after which I will be done with the Atenolol. Today is the first day that I am on 50mg's and I have also taken my first dose of Cardura (2mg). It caused me to become short of breath, tired, made me irritable, and gave me a headache. Is this because I am taking the combination of the two drugs?  Is this a reaction to the Cardura? If so, is there another Beta-blocker that might not have the side effects of Atenolol? I have also read that blood count must be monitored when taking Cardura. She said nothing about this. Should I mention it to her?