Tenormin Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Tenormin® (
atenolol). However, not everyone who takes Tenormin will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Tenormin well. When people do develop Tenormin side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are a lot less common but can still occur.
(The Tenormin side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Tenormin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
Common Tenormin Side Effects
Tenormin has been studied extensively in people with
high blood pressure, people with
angina, and people who have recently had a
heart attack. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Tenormin side effects include:
- Tiredness -- up to 26 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 13 percent
- Depression -- up to 12 percent (see Atenolol and Depression)
- Shortness of breath -- up to 6 percent
- Cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet -- up to 12 percent.
Other common side effects of Tenormin (occurring in more than 1 percent of people and more often in the group taking Tenormin) include but are not limited to:
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- A decrease in blood pressure when going from a lying-down or sitting position to standing
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea.