are there any medications that are the exact same thing as atenol?

Jenifer,

Thanks for your question. 

Atenolol is a generic medication (brand name - Tenormin) is a beta blocker class of medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure as well as some cardiac problems.  The atenolol itself can cause erectile dysfunction.  Finding another formulation of this drug will have the same effect. 

Just because one beta blocker causes a side effect, does not necessarily mean another beta blocker will do the same thing.  The closest medication to atenolol is metoprolol (brand name - Lopressor).  They are very similar drugs that both work well for hypertension.  Their dosing is identical.  If your doctor is set on using this class of drug, ask him/her if a swith might be possible.  If this drug still results in the same side effect, then a discussion with the doctor about this side effect and a switch to a different class of drug is in order.  The good news is there are several classes of medications available, and several different drugs within each class, many of which have no effect on erectile function.

Best wishes. 

Martin Cane, M.D.