Rapid pulse rate and dizziness after stopping Atenolol?

[Denisec4502]

My dad who is 67 has been taken off of Atenolol which controls high blood pressure (due to recent bad press). It has been substituted with another drug (not sure which) but has been experiencing dizziness when standing up, and rapid pulse rate 110 (usually 70). But his blood pressure is normal. Is this a side effect of coming off of Atenolol and how long does it last. He feels fine.

[tictactoe]

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/30002614/

Deni,

This will give you some info on Atenolol...if you know of the other medication, you can get the info on that also...

[willa]

Denise - find out what class of HBP meds he's on now. I'm on Lisinopril, which is an ACE inhibitor. When it was first prescribed for me, the doc gave me a combo pill of Lisinopril with Hydrochlorothyazide (HCTZ). The HCTZ is a diuretic. Almost immediately I experienced extreme dizziness and a very rapid pulse bordering on tachycardia, like your dad. It was very disorienting and not a little frightening.

My doc didn't think the diuretic was the cause, but I insisted he modify the prescription. (My husband was on only the Lisinopril and had no adverse reaction.) When the doc changed the meds to strictly Lisinopril, no diuretic, the symptoms stopped within 24 hours.

Have your dad check this out promptly. A pulse rate that fast needs attention. Maybe he needs another class of meds, like I did. Have him chart his pulse rate so he's got hard facts for the doc. Good luck!

[cascarelli]

The pulse rate does go up after coming off atenolol (atenolol reduces pulse as well as pressure) but 110 does sound high - is that taken when he's at rest i.e. after sitting still for 5-10 mins?

Personally I'd go back to the GP and have them check him out.

I do suspect this change from atenolol is more to do with cost than anything else.