Can one stop taking 12.5 mg atenolol if taken for anxiety. Does stopping it suddenly cause any side effects.
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Atenolol is not a drug for Anxiety. Its Propranolol that is useful for the physical components of anxiety reponses (trembling, quivering of voice etc). Ability to act on Beta 2 receptors gives it the above utility, while atenolol is only active on B1 receptiors. Moreover, Atenolol does not cross blood brain barrier so I do not see the merit of it here. As for Sudden Withdrawal of Medication- Yes, typically B Blockers like Atenolol etc are not to be stopped abruptly. They can lead to increased heart rate, palpitations etc due to the upregulated B receptors. That said, Atenolol at 12. 5 mg may be stopped abruptly as it is a very low dose. Ofcourse, cannot comment on how the condition for which it may have been prescribed and its worsening but otherwise maybe safely stopped. Suggest see your doctor, or setup an appointment with me for me to better be able to guide you.
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