How to wean myself off Atenolol

[bassbunny]

I am a 35 yo woman. I have been taking 25 mg of Atenolol once daily for 5 years for prevention of migraines and supposedly high blood pressure.  Some doctors say I have high blood pressure, some say I don't.  I would like to wean myself off because I don't think they are helping my migraines at all and I would like to track my blood pressure while off the medication to see if I do indeed have high blood pressure.  Can I just stop taking it or do I need to wean myself off?  If I do need to wean myself off, how do I go about doing that?

[Londres70]

I agree with Crackerjack4u.  

[crackerjack4u2]

Hello, I have been weaned off medications in the past but not the Atenolol.  The titration schedule the doctor told you sounds appropriate.  If you had problems in the past with side effects when coming off the medication chances are this time will be no different. It is possible the every other day for 2 weeks will help in reducing them, but not guaranteed.  

The problem with medications is that they effect people differently.  Some people have no problems taking them or discontinuing taking them, where others have problems with both.   The main thing is there is no sure fire way for preventing side effects when stopping any medication, and regardless of what schedule you use to come off of your medication, you need to notify your doctor immediately if you start having side effects when doing so.  

I Hope This Helps      Good Luck!

[bassbunny]

Thanks to everyone how commented on my question.  I talked to my doc and he suggested I take one pill every other day for 1 week then stop.  But I tried doing this last year when I wanted to get off Atenolol, and my heartbeat increased quite rapidly.  Needless to say, I went back on Atenolol the next week.  This time, however, I will try to do every other day for 2 weeks.  Maybe that will be better.  Anyone have any experiences with a similar weaning schedule?  

[Londres70]

Please CONSULT your physician before stopping this medication.  

[crackerjack4u2]

Hello when considering stopping taking any prescribed medication it is necessary to first consult your doctor on their thoughts on whether you do or don't still need the medication, how to properly titrate the dosage to prevent unwanted side effects or unwanted rebound symptoms etc.  

Please don't just stop taking the medication because abruptly stopping medications can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, headaches, nervousness, blood pressure changes, seizures, etc., and in severe cases even death.

I Hope This Helps.  Have A Nice Night.  

[remar]

I take it you know that normal resting blood pressure 120/80 or below. Some Drs like it to be 115/75 or below. When you go to the Dr are you anxious, do they rush you right in to take your BP? You need to sit quietly for at least 5 minutes to get a good resting BP. If it's consistently above the numbers I mentioned then you do have high BP. What are your numbers? Talk to your Dr about weaning off of this med, don't do it by yourself. Migraines can be a side effect of having high BP. If this med is not helping with your migraines there are other meds for you to try.   Remar