Would you consider Atenolol or Lopressor (or any beta-blockers, for that matter) to be safe to take during pregnancy? I am in my first trimester and trying to deal with heart palpitations, which get really bad during the night. I have taken Atenolol for the past 4 years. My cardiologist is taking me off the Atenolol and switching to Lopressor. Is there any difference between these two drugs and their safety during pregnancy? If I try to go without medication, will the excessive palpitations and rapid beating (130-140 bpm) cause any harm to my health or baby's health?

These are big time questions and I sincerely think you should be having this discussion with your cardiologist if he is the prescribing physician. I do believe you should not consider going without medication for your condition, as this would put you and your baby in harms way. Please speak to your doctor.

Tick

Lopressor is considered the safer of the two during pregnancy. If you are considering breastfeeding, you might ask about your doctor's thoughts on Propranolol, which is also rated the same safety wise as the Lopressor during pregnancy, but better if breastfeeding.

What your cardiologist suggests will depend on your individual health concerns and their preference. As Tic said, do not go off any meds without your doctor's guidance.