What is the most common early side effect of beta-blockers like atenolol?

The most common early side effect of beta-blockers like atenolol is fatigue. This can occur because beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the beta-adrenergic receptors, which can slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction. This can lead to a feeling of tiredness or decreased energy, particularly as the body adjusts to the medication.

Fatigue is often reported by patients shortly after starting therapy and may persist until the body adapts to the medication. In many cases, this side effect diminishes over time as the patient becomes more accustomed to the medication. The other options, while valid concerns associated with beta-blocker therapy, typically occur less frequently or may develop later in treatment. For example, bradycardia, or a significantly slowed heart rate, can occur but is usually monitored closely by healthcare professionals. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is another potential side effect, particularly when initiating treatment, but again, it is not as commonly reported in the early stages as fatigue. Palpitations are also less common since beta-blockers are often prescribed to manage heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, rather than causing them. Consequently, the initial experience of fatigue stands out as the most commonly reported early