Atenolol (Tenormin) is
a beta blocker that reduces epinephrine (adrenaline) activity. Atenolol reduces the heart rate and prevents heart activity that can trigger low blood pressure when standing (neurally mediated hypotension (NMH)
Tenormin May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because…
it can reduce the heart rate in people with artificially increased heart rates or prevent abnormal heart activity that can trigger episodes of low blood pressure while standing. Beta blockers work in patients whose high heart rates are caused by over-active sympathetic nervous system activity – something commonly found in ME/CFS. Tenormin is used to treat neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Beta blockers have detrimental effects, however, on patients whose heart rates increase in an attempt to compensate for blood pooling in the lower body. Beta blockers also have detrimental effects on patients with low blood volume. Since both of these conditions may apply to many ME/CFS patients beta blockers should be used with caution.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies
None
Dose
Dr Rowe recommends 12-25 mgs a day. For those with NMH he suggests 1 mg. for every kg. of body weight. If a persons heart rate is below 50 beats per minute Dr. Rowe warns that higher doses may not be tolerated.
(This and all sections of the Phoenix Rising website are compiled by a layman. They are not a substitute for a physician and are for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.)
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Rowe, Peter. https://www.pediatricnetwork.org/medical/OI/johnshopkins.htm