Overview Of Anxiety Attack Medications: How Effective Is Atenolol (Tenormin)

If you are suffering from panic or anxiety attacks the questions you may ask are “Is there a cure for panic attacks?” “How to prevent panic attacks?” “What medications are best for me?” Most of the answers can be answered by the doctors and physicians. One thing that needs to be understood is that there is not perfect cure for panic attacks or anxiety attacks. If there are any advertisements that claim their medication cures panic attacks then you need to check with the authenticity of the medication.

A we all know that prevention is better than cure, try and think of ways of evading the causes or triggers of panic attacks. If you think that is difficult, then meet your doctor immediately and discuss with him the various treatment options. Most anxiety attack medications have side effects, so you need to weigh your benefits and the drawbacks before you go in for any medical treatment.

If the doctor prescribes any medications for the panic attacks, you may want to ask the following questions:

o    How do I take these anxiety attack medications?

o    What are the side effects of these anxiety attack medications?

o    How do I prevent panic attacks if I miss a dose?

If the doctor prescribes beta blockers for the treatment of anxiety attacks, then you need to be aware of some key aspects of these types of medications. First, you must be aware of how this medication works. Most beta blockers control the symptoms of the panic or anxiety attacks. Common symptoms that are controlled or suppressed by the beta blockers are blushing, trembling, and shaking. In addition, to the suppression of these symptoms, the beta blockers are very successful in controlling the rapid heartbeat, which is often associated with panic or anxiety attacks.

One of the most common beta blocker that is prescribed by the doctors or physicians is Atenolol (Tenormin). This medications needs to be taken under medical supervision only. Never exceed the dosage or skip the dose if you are feeling better. Most often, Atenolol is prescribed for longer durations. One major advantage with Atenolol is that it is not addictive and gives total relief from anxiety attacks.

There may be instances where you may get mild anxiety attacks while on the medication. In such instances, you may have to inform you doctor or physician. The medical professional may reassess your condition and there are high chances that he or she may increase the power of the dose. Like most beta blockers, Atenolol needs to be taken before meals—usually one hour before. If you are pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant during the Atenolol treatment, then you need to tell your doctor immediately.

Most of the times, doctors will ask you to discontinue the Atenolol if you are pregnant as it can harm the fetus. Also, if you are breast feeding your child, then your doctor will surely ask you to stop the consumption of Atenolol because Atenolol is excreted in breast milk and can have adverse effects on the feeding baby. Like all good medications, Atenolol too has side effects.
Most of the side effects are minor ones and considering the benefits, you can bear them for some time.

Common side effects that have been reported by patients after the use of Atenolol are confusion, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, sudden weight gain, numbness in the feet or hands, and dizziness. If you are an asthma patient, then you need to tell your doctor immediately because use of Atenolol may aggravate the asthmatic condition.

There are some people who may be allergic to Atenolol. Common signs of an allergic reaction are hives, unexplained rash, unexplained swelling, itching, and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. In instances of allergic reactions, the doctor will immediately tell you to discontinue the Atenolol medication. Continuing with the Atenolol medication after the allergic reactions can have adverse effects on the body.

If you need more information on how to prevent panic attacks by using other medications, you can browse the Internet or check out a local library and read articles titled “how to prevent panic attacks”. If you are suffering from anxiety attacks or panic attacks, you need to think of all treatment options.