Atenolol And Metoprolol (Top voted first)

I was taking atenolol until the drug company stopped making them, and my doctor gave me metoprolol as a replacement. Is it ok to take metoprolol when i run out of atenolol? My doctor said it's ok, but I just wanted to double check.

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Re: Verwon (# 1)


I do not know why you would say there should be a smooth transition between atenolol and metoprolol, given, "after having congestive heart failure, it took over a year to find medications that worked for me, without making me miserable." Atenolol and Metoprolol are not the same. And also, with this Sandoz Atenolol shortage, now it is more of an issue regarding inactive ingredients. The Zay - whatever manufacturer has povidone and other inactive ingredients that I know I do not want to risk taking just now. But certainly, atenolol and metoprolol and different, and many can take one but not the other, and, inactive ingredients can have effects that are undesirable.

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I am experiencing the same thing and am trying to find out WHY. Atenelol has always worked so well. The new one not so much. Walgreens pharmacist said the manufacturer stopped making them and its been on backorder for months. They said they don't know when or IF they will start making them again. But during my investigating I discovered that 143 companies make atenelol, Mylan must be the only one Walgreens deals with. I know mine has the big M on it. So I do wonder if they will start making it again. If not can walgreens just get it through someone else. Im about to contact Mylan. Hope this is helpful. Yes what this person is experiencing is absolutely true.

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Re: Shay (# 5)

Doctor increased metoprolol 2 in AM, 1 in afternoon, and 2 in evening, 25mg each.
My afib is so much better, but I'D rather go back on Atenolo.....my doctor says it's still not available. It's sad that health care is "NO longer" about the patient.......its about pharmaceutical companies and Insurance companies fighting between themselves, ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.....DISGUSTING!

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Re: Jake (# 9)

I had been taking Atenelol for several years along with Cartia for high blood pressure. Walgreen said there was no Atenelol so my NP prescribed Metoprolol ER Succinate. After taking it for 3 weeks my bp is up and I feel horrible. I called around and found Atenelol at another drug store. Nurse said ask pharamacist about whether ok to stop Metoprolol when I start back Atenelol but pharmacist said ask doctor. This is the mixed up crazy world of health care nowadays. I am praying I dont have a heart attack or stroke from all this.

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Atenolol is back at Walgreens and I’m switching back! Felt awful on metoprolol! Racing heart rate, diarrhea!

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Hi, this is Robert and your saying atenolol is available - not here in taunton mass; they're on backorder. That's why i asked you about Metoprolol. Check it out you will see there on backorder, if you know where to get them please let me know, thank you

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I really don't like switching meds. I get nervous over that and don't want to feel like crap. Hope to hear from you soon, thanks.

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I was told by a Walgreens pharmacist that there's some kind of a "drug war" between the manufacturers of Atenolol (pharmaceuticals) and Insurance companies. I'm in the same boat, start metoprolol tomorrow but I'm concerned because I have AFIB pretty bad at times and I gave been taking 25mg 3xday of Atenolol and the switch is 25mg 1xday on Metoprolol, can't understand how this is equivalent dosage, unless Metoprolol is stronger, anyone know?

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I have been taking 25mg atenolol for 8 years along with digoxin for palpatations... Inhave MVP also.. I found atenolol at CVS our Walgreens is out.. My only concern is that it is a different manufacturer... Is it going to be the same the pill is a lot bigger..I am worried it will cause palpitations ....

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Re: Sarah (# 4)

I thought this was extremely informative, as most of the google results just give you the drug company statement (if any). This just makes way more sense to me.

huffingtonpost.com/entry/collusion-or-coincidence-the-making-of-a-drug-shortage

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I have been taking atenolol for 15 years but for headaches ... no side effects at all but now I’m told It is being discontinued...,now what will I take ????

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I took Atenolol 25mg for over 15 years for high BP. Suddenly switched to metoprolol succinate 25mg due to atenolol shortage. After a week I suddenly felt very tired like a switch had been thrown. After a few more weeks I experienced palpitations and pauses in my pulse rate. I had ekg, blood work, and holter moniter. All normal. Doc does not believe it was due to medication change. After several weeks it was like the switch was suddenly reversed. I am back to normal energy and few palpitations. I believe it was medication switch. And now my body is accustomed to metoprolol.

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You said is no longer being manufactured. When? I just got my atenolol Rx refilled.

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I was switched from metopolo to atenolol because I was having serious gastro issues while taking metoprolol. I'm still on atenolol, have been since around September 2017. I haven't heard of it being discontinued. Perhaps you should check into this.

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It is always best to follow your doctor's instructions. While there are no guarantees, it should be a smooth switch from one to the other.

The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension.

However, both of these medications are still available, at least for the moment. Where did you hear that Atenolol was discontinued? I am not saying you are wrong, because such information can change in an instance, sometimes it takes awhile for any given database to update.

What I can tell you is that as a heart and blood pressure patient myself, I have safely made the transition from one medication to another many times. After having congestive heart failure, it took over a year to find medications that worked for me, without making me miserable. I have a LONG list of medications my cardiologist put on my allergies list, to make sure they would never be prescribed for me, again. LOL

Have you started the Atenolol, yet? If so, how are you doing on it?

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