Discontinuation of Atenolol
I'm a 37-year-old trans man, standing at 5'2" and weighing 165 lbs. I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), alongside issues with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Initially, I was prescribed lisinopril, but my treatment was changed to atenolol, which is the focus of this discussion. In addition to atenolol, I'm taking 150mg of Effexor XR daily, testosterone (via two daily pumps of gel), Zyrtec (an over-the-counter allergy medication), and 40mg of Lipitor. I recently began using Restasis twice a week and 60mg of Latuda as well. For context, I do not smoke. I started taking atenolol at the end of May, and since that time, my dry eye condition has intensified to the point where driving has become nearly impossible. I’ve reached out to my cardiologist to discuss the possibility of discontinuing the medication, although my inquiry came after office hours. I've been on a 25mg dose for approximately two weeks now, and I’m eager to stop treatment as soon as possible. It’s likely that I won’t hear back from my cardiologist tonight. Given this situation, should I forgo taking the medication entirely this evening, or would it be better to cut the pill in half? I still have some lisinopril left; would it be advisable to take that instead?
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 11:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about your medication and the side effects you're experiencing with atenolol. Along with your desire to alleviate the dry eye condition, it's important to consider safe and effective ways to manage your health.
Main Points:
- Considering discontinuation of atenolol due to intensified dry eye symptoms is valid. However, stopping it suddenly may cause complications, especially since you have POTS and high blood pressure.
- It's crucial to approach the situation cautiously; cutting the dose or switching medications should be done thoughtfully.
Explanation: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can sometimes cause side effects, including dryness in some individuals. It's wise to address your dry eye concern, but simply stopping your medication might lead to worsening blood pressure or heart rate issues, particularly since you have POTS.
Since you've been on atenolol for a short period (around two weeks), the immediate decision to stop or cut the pill should ideally involve your healthcare provider's input. However, here are some guidelines on how to proceed today:
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Do Not Stop Abruptly: Given your history with POTS and high blood pressure, it's generally safer to not completely skip your dose tonight. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which could worsen your POTS symptoms.
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Consider Cutting the Pill: If you feel like the 25mg dose has been too much and you're experiencing significant side effects, cutting the atenolol pill in half (to 12.5mg) could be a reasonable short-term solution until you can discuss it with your cardiologist. Make sure you do this only if you have a pill that can be safely split.
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Reassess with Lisinopril Only If Necessary: Unless directed by your healthcare provider, avoid taking lisinopril without consulting your doctor first. Mixing medications without guidance can lead to unexpected interactions or complications, especially since you're managing multiple health conditions.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including how your eyes feel and any changes in your heart rate or blood pressure. This information will be helpful for your cardiologist when you discuss your treatment options.
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Prepare for Your Cardiologist's Response: Once your provider gets back to you, be ready to talk about all your current medications, the side effects you're experiencing, and any alternative treatments they might consider.
Your health is essential, and it's great that you're proactive about addressing these concerns. Remember, medication adjustments should always involve professional guidance, especially when managing complex health conditions.
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