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Atenolol for Anxiety User Reviews

Brand names: Tenormin

Atenolol has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 51 reviews for the off-label treatment of Anxiety. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Atenolol rating summary

7.9/10 average rating

51 ratings from 53 user reviews.

Compare all 136 medications used in the treatment of Anxiety.

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Reviews for Atenolol

  • NAano
  • March 1, 2021

"I've had severe anxiety since I was a child. I've always worried about something, usually health-related. In my late teens, I began to have panic attacks. I've seen doctors and they all gave me stuff like Prozac, Zoloft, and hydroxyzine. But last year, I was having bad anxiety that lasted for weeks at a time, and it was all panic attacks. I was getting heart rates in the 150s at a minimum and 180 at the max in the ER bed. They tried the hydroxyzine and Benadryl to calm me down and knock me out; it didn't really work. Then I got a different ER doctor who gave me Atenolol 25MG, and let me tell you, this is the ONLY thing that worked. It stops panic attacks right in their tracks after 30 minutes or so. No shakiness, no high heart rate, no sweating. Even in stressful situations in which you would normally panic, you stay calm; it doesn't act up. I take half a pill as needed, and when I need it, it always works and has kept me out of the ER for anxiety. If your doctor gives you this, I highly recommend you try it."

10 / 10
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146 Report
  • Gavilan
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 23, 2020

"I don’t normally have high BP or anxiety. I was prescribed atenolol 25 mg daily years ago in the midst of a divorce, by a concerned obgyn who was worried about my very high BP and stress/anxiety. I’m so glad he recommended this over anti-anxiety meds! It really helped me sleep and got me through that tough time. I appreciate its subtle calming effect that does not alter my mood. I began taking it again 6 weeks ago due to stress, and again I’m so impressed with how subtle it is and how 'normal' I feel. I’m now cutting the dose down to 12.5 mg because it was making me a little too drowsy. I hope that’s a good sign that my anxiety is coming back down. Atenolol is a great option to try before heading to the heavier anti-anxiety arsenal, I think."

10 / 10
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116 Report
  • lizzzz
  • March 7, 2012

Tenormin (atenolol) "This pill slows my heart down and relaxes me. I actually feel calm. I also take 0.5 Xanax with this and Wellbutrin 200mg. I have agoraphobia, and these pills together help me function NORMALLY. YES, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT **NORMALLY**. I never thought normal would ever be in my vocab."

9 / 10
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244 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Serge...
  • June 18, 2019

"I've suffered situational anxiety for 4 years. Every time I had to speak in a group, I'd have a panic attack. My heart would pound in my chest like a jackhammer, and my voice would shake. It was so embarrassing, and I feared it would hurt my career. I tried behavioral therapy and benzos to manage my anxiety. Nothing really worked until I tried Atenolol. It is an absolute Godsend. It steadied my heart rate and enabled me to not only speak in groups but also deliver presentations in front of a bunch of people. I highly recommend Atenolol for people suffering situational anxiety. I had one bad experience in public speaking; my brain had learned to flood my body with adrenaline any time I had to speak in public. The fight-or-flight response in my body created a vicious cycle where I would fear being afraid. I recommend behavioral therapy in conjunction with taking Atenolol. Therapy can help you understand the root mental/emotional cause of your anxiety."

10 / 10
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112 Report
  • MayaJ
  • April 16, 2016

"I was actually prescribed atenolol for my high blood pressure but a week after starting, I was sitting in a board room about to present and noticed that I was surprisingly calm. For years, I had suffered with panic attacks and severe anxiety when making presentations which I have to do frequently at work... So horribly embarrassing and uncontrollable. My BP is down too and so far no side effects."

9 / 10
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149 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Momma...
  • February 14, 2018

Tenormin (atenolol) "I take these specifically for anxiety, and it works like a dream for me. I wanted to go on something that was not addictive, and I didn’t want anything that made me feel like a zombie. I wish more doctors would use medications like this as a first-line treatment because it doesn’t take 4-6 weeks to get to a therapeutic level like antidepressants, and there is no risk of dependence like there is with benzodiazepines."

10 / 10
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120 Report
  • Ch000...
  • January 4, 2013

"I was prescribed atenolol for an irregular heartbeat and it worked like a charm. I have not had an episode since I started it. I also noticed a pronounced calming effect as well, which I wasn't expecting but has been welcome. The only side effect I notice is an increase in urinary urgency."

9 / 10
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165 Report
  • Katka
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2020

"It’s only been two days but my BP is lower than it’s been all year. I have rebound insomnia From Klonopin withdrawal- not my choice. Pharmacy refused to refill it after 23 years. I went through a nightmare withdrawal. Haven’t slept more than two hours a night in six months. Then all the things I was taking it for came right back. Anxiety, spasms, constant twitching etc. I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, severe spinal stenosis. Sleep was always poor - woke constantly in a panic. The last two nights I’ve slept almost six hours without waking. So far no side effects. This med is a God send. Plus it was only $3.24 for a 90 day supply."

9 / 10
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72 Report
  • Thank...
  • August 23, 2016

"I have been taking the generic Tenormin (atenolol) for probably 32 years now. 25 mg. I take it at night. Never had a problem, EXCEPT when I could not see my doctor and had to see someone else in the practice. He thought I should get off the drug; said there were new better things. He took me off it and I was going on vacation the next day or so. Worse vacation ever. I thought I was dying. My heart was pounding. I thought I would die up in the mountains. Got back on Atenolol when I got back home. Everything was normal. If I accidentally miss a day or so, I can tell the difference. I don't know about all the side effects other people have had, but it works great for me."

10 / 10
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123 Report
  • SlamD...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 26, 2013

"I was originally prescribed atenolol for mitral valve prolapse, but it does an excellent job of helping me manage physical anxiety symptoms as well. Shakes, sweats, hot flashes, palpitations are all greatly reduced. I also have glaucoma and have noticed a slight decrease in my intraocular pressure while taking atenolol. Overall, a very valuable medicine with many benefits."

9 / 10
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153 Report
  • Notbr...
  • October 15, 2015

"This is the best drug ever. I was prescribed this because I had rapid and forceful heartbeating due to panic and anxiety. Then I eliminated my panic attacks, while also lowering my blood pressure and eliminating my daily headaches. This drug is amazing 50mg"

8 / 10
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127 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 11, 2021

"I needed to share my experience with this drug. If I could go back in time, I WOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN THIS! It worked well for my anxiety but the side effects I experienced a month later of taking this at a 12.5-25 mg dosage was awful. I had extreme shortness of breath, chest pains, tingling in my arms (especially my left arm) and feeling lethargic. I stopped taking this medication right when these side effects started as I thought I was having a heart attack and it has been the worst medication to come off of. I stopped taking this a WEEK AGO and I have had unbearable anxiety, heart palpitations all day and night, lethargy, insomnia etc. I see my doctor this week to get an EKG and do other testing after taking this drug. I know everyone's experience is different but this drug for me was a true nightmare. Side effects on any medication can start at anytime not just right away. What I had to go through this last week withdrawing from the drug, I wouldn't wish on anyone"

1 / 10
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57 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 23, 2014

"Very helpful for performance anxiety when taken together with 0.5mg Xanax, no more racing heart, palpitation, sweating hands, running out of the room feeling when doing presentation in front group of people, better than propanolol since this does not cause wheezing on me."

9 / 10
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103 Report
  • Ateno...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 19, 2016

"Atenolol put me back in the game. Prior to having this prescription I could only rarely drive across bridges. My work output was low because I had too many panic attacks to even go to work more than 2 days a week. Anyway its been great!"

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • Smalm
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 19, 2017

"I am a hypochondriac, I fear that I am dying of something all the time. I got on atenolol for my anxiety, I take it sometimes twice daily. I find that it lowers my heart rate which calms me down since I am not worrying what I could possibly have. I like it a lot. It is a nice small pill that I take and I have had a heart rate in the 50s from it... But it usually is more subtle and does not move the number of beats per minute that much. It makes me not worry about my pulse."

8 / 10
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72 Report
  • Meyd
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 30, 2020

"Atenolol worked fantastic for my performance anxiety. I had a big fear of public speaking, and whenever I needed to do a work presentation, my heart would beat so fast that I would get short of breath and wouldn't be able to speak properly, with shaky voice etc. My GP prescribed me 50mg atenolol to take 1 hour before, and it works great, by removing the rapid heart beat. Propranolol appears to be the most common prescribed medication for this issue, however I found Atenolol does the job perfectly."

9 / 10
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44 Report
  • texas...
  • December 29, 2016

"I was given this in 200mg for Mitral valve prolapse and Regurgitation. I had suffered with panic attack and anxiety for years. What a gift for me...it unbeknownst to me treats anxiety... I no longer suffer from it. Nothing short of miracle to me!"

10 / 10
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74 Report
  • IzzyH
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 9, 2022

"I was prescribed Atenolol for severe panic episodes that consistently raise my heart-rate and BP throughout the day. Having cardiophobia certainly didn't help things. My panic attacks consisted of racing thoughts, a hammering heart, trembling hands, and hyperventilation. I was afraid to keep having panic episodes, which would further contribute to them. It was exhausting, scary, and debilitating. I was hesitant to take Atenolol, as it was a drug that directly affected my heart, but I'm glad I did because the relief is indescribable. Atenolol is great for controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety/panic episodes. It blocks adrenaline and keeps your heart rate and bp steady/under control- no matter what you're feeling. I figured out Atenolol had a half-life of 7-8 hours before it wears off. I take it once every 6-7 hours for full, round-the-clock, daily coverage (25mg doses). Works best on empty stomach. Been on for 3 years. Finally living life again."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 21, 2020

"Don't normally respond to these reviews, but feel need to share my experience from using atenolol. Not sure how it makes me feel, but my exercise life is the greatest. For years I was unable to run or jog for long distance for short of breath. Maybe a 1/2 to 1 mile max, and I'm totally exhausted. Now I jog/run 2 3/4 miles (bout 11 laps), 4 times a week with energy to spare. Also, I suffered with anxiety going for doctors visits, pulse and heart rate was off the roof, especially when I was up for my yearly DOT certification physical. So again, not quite sure how this med works but it is truly God sent."

9 / 10
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39 Report
  • Drogba
  • August 27, 2020

"For those of you taking benzos and still have social anxiety I highly recommend that you try out this drug atenolol it's a wonder drug, yes benzos are effective but they kinda numbs your ability to feel, so I did my homework and went for the atenolol, feeling superb."

9 / 10
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41 Report
  • Kaynk...
  • December 18, 2016

"I started taking atenolol (25 mg) right after Thanksgiving for heart palpitations. When I saw the Dr he said I had sinus tachycardia, but I also have severe panic disorder. I can tell a big difference. I will have a palpitation every now and then but my resting heart rate is down. I haven't noticed that my anxiety is down so I still take my .25 xanax when I need it. I also haven't noticed any side effects other than a little dizziness and a little chest tightness. Its kind of been a life saver because my palpitations would put me in a panic attack. I would recommend this to anyone that would benefit from it."

8 / 10
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67 Report
  • missy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 31, 2013

"Awful drug so dizzy all the time cant walk or shower. Has made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. Agoraphobia is coming back now . Sick gut all the time. Put on it in er for afib. Wish to god id never been put on this evil drug. Xanax no longer work on these either. Beware."

1 / 10
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87 Report
  • RJ2121
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 19, 2016

"This is an awesome medication for panic attacks with palpitations...it simply eliminates them very safe and effective...ask your doctor about this wonder drug....only 4 bucks a month at Target who by the way run an awesome Pharmacy"

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • TPG
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 17, 2021

"This has definitely removed that heavy chest feeling that leads to all day anxiety and turning to panic attacks. I feel fine and if I do happen to get an adrenaline rush from something”like a scare” it lasts a second and goes away not leading up to an anxiety or panic attack. Keeps me very chill. Heart rate was usually 75 to 80. Now it’s 62 to 65 resting. I was prescribed 25mg but took “12.5mg” for a week To get acclimated with the medication and that did the trick for me. I had high blood pressure because of my anxiety that usually ran about 140/90 and now it 110/65. This medication has been a game changer for me as I am a firefighter. It keeps me level and I don’t get overly excited and in situation it helps me stay focused on what I need to be focused on. If you have a hard time with anxiety meds like Zoloft and others I highly suggest you try this."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Sooth...
  • June 14, 2010

"I have been taking Atenolol (50mg) for a month or so now. There was an immediate drop in blood pressure and my anxiety has lessened so that I need my Xanax much less often. One thing I have noticed is that I wake up a few times a night with pain in whatever shoulder I have been sleeping on. It feels like joint pain and lasts for about an hour after awakening. Otherwise it does not effect my sleep. Another side effect is that, an hour after taking it, I yawn and my eyes water. Also, the first two weeks I took it I had diarrhea when previous to that I was constipated, but that has subsided."

9 / 10
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97 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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