For sufferers of anxiety atenolol comes in tablet form. They may be taken with or without food and should be taken according to the directions on the prescription label. Atenolol tablets belong to a class of medicines known as beta blockers. Beta blockers are used to treat palpitations, sweating and tremors. They are also prescribed for those who suffer from social anxiety, anxiety and social phobias. Beta blockers have the ability to reduce blood pressure and help to slow your rapidly thumping heart so that it beats more regularly.

Atenolol can reduce and control high blood pressure, angina, prevent migraine headaches and they can be helpful after a heart attack. However as there are side effects from Atenolol you should find out if using this tablet will be of benefit to you. Your doctor needs to be told if you have asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, emphysema, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding, or have any other medical conditions.

For anxiety atenolol dosage should be taken on a regular basis. There needs to be at least 8 hours between each dose. Should a dosage be missed and it is near the time of your next dose, you must take only that dosage and not a double or even an extra dosage.

There are also certain drugs that will interact with atenolol and side effects that you should be aware of. Antacids, calcium salts, cocaine, diabetes medicines, high blood pressure medicines and medicines used to control heart rhythms. Side effects due to atenolol include changes in vision, coldness, tingling, or numb hands or feet, confusion, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness or fainting spells amongst others. You should always inform your doctor if you suffer from any of these side-effects.

Mild side effects like anxiety, depression, nightmares, headaches, nausea, sexual difficulties and impotence, as well as others do not need to be medically treated. Your doctor will also need to be informed if you're taking other types of anxiety medicines. You will need to let your doctor know if you plan on stopping your atenolol medication.

This is because stopping this medication suddenly can lead to serious heart-related effects.In treating anxiety atenolol can dull your mental concentration. Therefore it is advisable to avoid driving, using heavy machinery, or performing any task that needs your full mental alertness. You may experience dizziness, fainting spells or even drowsiness whilst under the effects of atenolol.

Atenolol can also affect blood sugar levels. Therefore if you have diabetes, you should check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dosage of your diabetic medicine. For anxiety sufferers who are undergoing surgery, your doctor must be informed prior to the surgery that you are taking atenolol.

For the sufferer from constant anxiety atenolol tablets might just be the one thing that can help you cope with a world gone awry so talk to your doctor to find out whether atenolol is the best thing for you and think seriously on the possible side-effects.