is it wise to stop taking atenolo

hello i have been feeling lightheaded lately even more than usual. i went to cardiologist and assures me it is not Cardio related because of all the tests i have had come back normal(stree,ekg,ecg blood wrk). i told him about tingling in left arm and weakness i am an xray tech so it could be pinch nerve cause i aslo feel it in elbow too. so he is referring me to neurologist and also a sleep study because i am reall tired and snorring really bad at night..anyway here comes my question he wants me to hold off on taking my atenolo. i only take 25 mg a day usually around 800pm. i have been on it since 11/07 so not that long. i actually was put onm Atenolo by family practice doctor but not cardiolgist. dont think he was a fan of that medicine.anyway he wants me to stop because atenolo could possibly be the reason why i have these symptoms.i guess he is trying to rule it out. I am Scared because i thought you could not just stop taking the Atenolo abruptly. because there could be a spike in BP and induce heart attack and other withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms. i have always folloe drs advice but not to sure about this one.What should i do? Also i just started  slowly getting back into excercising.  want to beat this and get my life back. i hate feeling like ****...i stopped smoking 5 mos  now so i am trying to take control of this hbp and overweight. if i can quit smoking cold turkey i can do anything

[Flycaster305]

Atenolol can indeed cause lightheadedness, it slows down the heart.  You might start monitoring your heartrate, either by feeling the pulse or buying a Blood Pressure machine that also monitors heart rate and recording the results to show the doctor.  You can safely be weaned off the drug.  I can understand why the doctor wants you off the drug, the sleep study is probably more descriptive without you on it.  Congratulations for quitting smoking!  It's not easy, I know from experience

[EFT56]

Yep I agree with flycatcher - beta blockers Atenolol  can cause lightheadedness  
and dizzyness too .  it also causes a nice side effect of  broken sleep or no sleep !
it can also in some cases - raise cholesterol levels high.   yep it slows the heart rate .
amoung causing alot of aches and pains to happen (cramping too ) ,some people are not bothered by beta blockers - but alot are !!    and last but not least - long term use can cause a known side effect of - blood sugar problems !  and a good chance of getting
diabeties from it ... something doctors wont tell you !!   but it is listed online under long term side effects beta blockers !  

with all beta blockers and some other b.p medications - one must ween off slow
sometimes with a doctors help .  as if you go to fast or cold turkey quit it .. your blood pressure can spike high !  and you risk the chance of heart attack or stroke !
so it must be done slow and easy .. as not to shock your system .

congrats on stopping the smokeing !
Good luck !
take care  - booger the nose

[ItsMeBeck]

I've stopped Atenolol twice and Metroprolol once and I quit cold turkey each time, all on my doctors orders. The first time I was on Atenolol 25mg, the second time I was on Atenolol 50mg and the Metroprolol was 25mg as well. I did fine each time, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms at all. I think since your on such a low dose you'll be fine. I'm sure your doc knows what he's doing.