[Jess0221]

I have high blood pressure and am taking 25mg of lasartan and 50mg of atenolol. My doc just started me on the atenolol last week. I was nervous taking the whole 50mg pill and up until last night was only taking half. I've been monitoring my bp and hr twice a day but noticed tonight my bp is 124/86 and my hr only 52. I have a headache and noticed my breathing is short and shallow. But feel okay. Now that I'm laying down, my arms and legs feel numb, fingers and toes like ice and pressure on my chest. Is my hr too low and is it going to continue to decrease as I sleep? Should I go to the er, even though I'm not in pain or in too much discomfort?

[Jess0221]

Oh and I'm only 24 years old... is it okay to go to sleep? Or should I go to the hospital?

[tickle]

You should have followed your doctor's instructions. There was obviously a very good reason he scripted you for 50mg atenolol. If it isn't too later, you should go to the hospital. And next time follow your doctor's instructions to the letter.

[Jess0221]

And take the whole 50mg to begin with? Cause then I definitely would've been hospitalized! After only taking half the prescribed atenolol the first two days, my bp dropped drastically from 154/98 to 112/64. It dangerous to be switched to a different med starting at a high dose. My bp and hr would've dropped too fast and down too low! I told my doc that and specifically asked to start with the 25mg tablet and increase if needed. So thank you, but no thank you. I know my body and the doctor is not always right...

[J_9]

This is a bad side effect of beta blockers. You need to stop taking it an contact your doctor immediately. This happened to me as well.