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Can Atenolol Cause Low Libido And Urinary Discomfort?

Posted on Sat, 23 Jan 2016

Question: I have been on atenolol 50mg per day for around ten yrs. can it cause urinary and sexual diffuclties? I have cut the dose to 25 mg per day over the last week and have noticed I feel like I cant breathe is this normal what should I do also light headed and anxious?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to see a doctor at the earliest.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Although atenolol can cause decrease in libido, since you are taking atenolol for the last ten years, I do not attribute the urinary and sexual difficulties to atenolol. Rather you could be developing a condition called benign hyperplasia of the prostate (BHP) which could be causing the problems. However, atenolol is known to prepitate bronchospasm and the breathlessless could be a direct effect of taking atenolol. You need to see a doctor at the earliest, preferably in the ER and see if any urgent interventions are needed. A careful clinical evaluation is required. Your blood pressure also needs to be checked to see if the reduction of dose has caused an elevation of blood pressure which would call for additional measures.

An ultrasonogram of the KUBP (kidney, ureters, bladder and prostate) will confirm if you have BHP.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

I forgot I take flo-max prostate has been checked several times not enlarged ever psa has been great last one being about 2yr.ago.I have been taking Bactrim for the past 5 days I did read that it causes breathing diffuclties.I suffer from anxiety and try 2 stay away from doctors unless I just have 2 go.I am in no pain anywhere just get out of breath quickly.I don't like taking any medicines at all I started cutting back the atenolol from 50 mg a day to 25mg a day about a week ago I also have reduced the zanax from 1.5 mg per day to 3/4 mg per day.Blood pressure is good heart rate has been elevated some since the reduction of atenolol.I am 5 foot eleven 195 to 200lbs.non smoker for past 20 to 25 yrs.I also had 3 different cardiologists check my heart all said no problems just the way my heart beats nothing 2 worry about.I am through with the Bactrim today maybe it is what is causing my problem.Last complete physical all blood work was good besides cholesterol a little high 220 to 230 total 2 yrs.ago.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not all people taking medicines get side effects.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Let me assure you that although medicines have the potential of causing side effects, such side effects actually affect a very few people (one in a few thousand people). So, if you take bactrim it does not necessarily mean that you will face problems of some sort. I have seen numerous people take bactrim without any side effect. Stay relaxed, you need not worry.

You need to continue other medicines as directed.

The cholesterol levels are pretty high and need to be kept in control. Taking some statin like atorvastatin (if you are not taking aleready) should help.

Let me know if you seek any specific support from me and I would be happy to provide it.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Thanks for your help as I said I suffer from high anxiety I probably sometimes cause the problem.I have always been use to feeling good and when I don't I think im dying.I went to the er a few yrs.back with the same problem couldn't breathe light headed weak checked blood heart did x-rays checked heart enzymes results were ever thing fine cholesterol a little high.The doctor put me on lovastatin and niacin they made my bones ache terrible so I quit it I haven't been on anything else since.I would like 2 get down to around 175 lbs. I think that would help me have u got any suggestions can u help me? As far as support u have helped me already by talking 2 me perhaps u can guide me in the right direction.Thank u I look forward 2 hearing your prescription.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rosuvastatin or atorvastatin can help in lowering blood lipids

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Since by now you have already passed 57 years without dying, chances are that there is still more that you can live without worrying. Unnecessary anxiety will only cut down on your healthy life, be it in duration or quality.

Your doctor had put you on good medicines. I do not think that the pain was due to these medicines. But in any case there are other alternatives which you could have tried. I would suggest you to take atorvastatin or rosuvastatin (any one of the two) but since it is a prescription medicine, you would need your doctor to write it down for you.

Stay relaxed. Feel free to contact me back in case of further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Thank you very much u have been very helpful. My doctor told me that over the counter cholesterol medicine was just about as good as the regular statins is their any truth 2 this. I also have been told 2 drink 8oz.of red wine ever evening by my doctor and pharmacist I hate wine but if it is helpful in reducing cholesterol and good for arteries I would rather drink it once a day as take pills.I think that about covers it all I hate 2b a bother but sometimes talking with a doctor who listens and discusses your problem with you is the best medicine u can get.What kind of healthy diet do I need 2 try as far as foods? Once again thank you I wish u were here 2 take care of my prescription needs.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dietary supplements and exercise are the mainstay of treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond faster. Over the counter cholesterol medicine is too broad a term to comment upon. Had you mentioned some specific OTC medicine and asked if it was effective, I could have commented. However, there are supplements that help. The following link provides details:
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Although red wine may reduce cholesterol levels, that does not mean that you need to start taking it even though you do not like it. Rather take dietary items rich in omega 3 fatty acids. They will be more effective in reducing bad cholesterols.

The following link will give you details on diet plan:
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Although I cannot take care of your prescription needs, you still can feel free to contact me back directly any time for any query. Be sure to ask right for me, else somebody else randomly will come to your service.

Wish you health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (6 hours later)

Thank you again if I have anymore questions I will be sure and ask for you.Happy New Year and God bless.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your wishes. Feel free to ask directly for me if you ever have any health related query in the future.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar