Usually, Atenolol starts working within 3 hours, but it can take up to 2 weeks to reach its full effect. You may not feel any difference in blood pressure after taking the medicine, but this does not mean that the medicine is not working. It is important to keep taking your medicine in the prescribed dose and duration to get the maximum benefit of Atenolol.

Atenolol can be taken anytime in the morning or evening, usually prescribed once or twice daily. However, your very first dose of Atenolol may make you feel dizzy, so it is better to take your first dose at bedtime. After that, if you do not feel dizzy, you may take it any time of the day. Follow the advice of your doctor. It is advised to take it at the same time each day so that you remember to take it and consistent levels of medicine are maintained in the body.

If you have missed a dose of Atenolol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

If you take more than the prescribed dose, your heart rate may slow down and you may find it difficult to breathe. It can also cause dizziness and trembling. If you experience any of such side effects, seek immediate medical assistance. Avoid driving yourself to avoid any mishap. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. Take the Atenolol packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

The most common side effects of Atenolol include cold extremities (feeling extreme cold), fatigue, slow heart rate, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. However, these are usually mild and short-lived and not everyone will experience these side effects. But, if these do not resolve and bother you, consult your doctor to know about ways of coping up with them. Your doctor may also suggest ways of preventing them in future.

Yes, Atenolol can cause dizziness as a side effect. If this happens to you, you should sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. However, this is temporary and usually goes away as the treatment continues. It would be best to avoid alcohol while being on treatment, as it may worsen the dizziness.

Atenolol is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you are allergic to Atenolol or any of its ingredients before starting treatment. You must tell the doctor if you have low blood pressure or a slow heart rate, serious blood circulation problems in your limbs (such as Raynaud's phenomenon), which may make your fingers and toes tingle or turn pale or blue. In addition to that, inform your doctor if you are suffering or have suffered from metabolic acidosis (when there's too much acid in your blood), lung disease or asthma. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Also, inform your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent any harmful effects on the baby.

Atenolol is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Atenolol too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Lifestyle changes play a major role in keeping you healthy if you are taking Atenolol. Avoid taking excess salt in your diet and find ways to reduce or manage stress in your life. Practice yoga or meditation or take up a hobby. Ensure that you have a sound sleep every night as this also helps to reduce stress levels and helps to keep your blood pressure normal. Stop smoking and alcohol consumption as this helps in lowering your blood pressure and preventing heart problems. Exercise regularly and take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and fat-free products. Consult your doctor if you need any further guidance to get the maximum benefit of Atenolol and to keep yourself healthy.