Beta Blocker for Angina

  In late Nov. 97 I experienced chest pains and after testing was told I had some blockage and in Dec. an angioplasty with a stent was performed.  A few days later, I thought I was having pains again and was hospitalized overnight for observation.  Evidently I was anxious as there were no indications of any problem.  My physician however started me on Atenolol, 1 -25 mg tablet per day.  My energy level went down tremendously to the point that I could barely make it through the day.  My Dr. said I was having a bout of depression and put me on Paxcil.  This did seem to help the fatigue and lack of energy some but after a couple of months, I asked to be taken off paxcil because of the side effects and I did not feel that I needed them - no depression.  My energy level is still very low and I feel terrible.  I have begun to have pains in muscles and joints. I should add that I was a smoker and was told that this was the contributing factor to my blockage.  I am a 53 year old male, 5'6" and my weight was 130 with no blood pressure problems and my chlorestrol was low.  I stopped smoking in Dec. and I have gained 25 pounds.  My  Dr. said he put me on the beta blocker because I had lived on Adrenalin for too long and he wanted to slow me down.  My question is has the Atenolol slowed me down too much.  Can I come off it or have the dosage reduced.  I have never felt this terrible.  Before I began to have some chest pain, I had no shortage of breath, even though a smoker.  I always felt good and had very high energy.  I admit that my heart rate has always been high in the 100 range and now it's more in the 60-70.  Advice please.
  thanks,
  Larry
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Dear Larry
Beta blockers can cause fatigue and depression as a side effect. They can also worsen certain types of smokers' lung diseases. They are, however, good medicines for angina.
The dose you are on is the lowest dose that the medicine comes in. It is important not to stop this medicine abruptly, as you can have serious complications by doing that. You should discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to a different class of medication for angina (there are several other medicines that can be used for angina).
Information provided in this forum is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to see a cardiologist who specializes in heart rate problems, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at desk F15 with a cardiac electrophysiologist.