Atenolol: Side effects are killing me

I've taken Atenolol for my arrhythmia condition since last April 2009. Before that, I've taken Amiodarone for more than 10 years. My condition started when I was 13, I'm now 33. While on Amiodarone I never developed any side effects symptoms but new Cardiologist, specialized in Arrhythmia in this country, recommended Atenolol (Tenormin) due to last longing worse side effects from Amiodarone that according to his experience is the "last resource" medicine for treating arrhythmias! Last Cardiologist was not specialized but always kept me taking Amiodarone on different doses. Since I am taking atenolol I did not presented any episode, however two months ago I started to feel nauseas, dizziness, vertigo, and heartburns. I've never been an emotional person until recently when I've noticed I get more anxious than usual. After visiting the endoscopy room, and been prescribed Nexium to treat a minor gastritis, symptoms are still there. Today I went to visit cardiologist and told me there is nothing else to do for me but getting an ablation, which I would surely do, if not knowing that in Ecuador there is a very few cases like mine and risks during the procedure are higher compared to the ones performed in the USA or Europe. In the meantime, he switched Atenolol for Metoprolol (Betablok Zok), in an attempt to decrease symptoms, and I am supposed to started all of a sudden tonight. I've read that you just don't stop Atenolol but very progressively. So my question is: Can I just switch pills like this, all of a sudden? Is this Doctor right?
My husband and I are currently looking for a place in the US to get me the ablation done, so my other question is: can you recommend a place where I can do it, so we can contact them?
Sometimes I feel like coming back to Amiodarone, since it never gave me strange symptoms, and always kept me protected from arrhythmia while I was taking it, and even while I was not, sometimes forgot to take a pill. With atenolol however I cant miss any one, 'cause if I did so, I would start developing an arrhythmia right away.
I hope you can help me. I would love to find the right pill to take until I get my ablation done and my problem permanently gone. One thing is for sure, according to doctors, the origin of my arrhythmias comes from the left side of my hearth, which means, in civilian terms, ablation would be less risky and I would not end up using a pacemaker, which is my major fear for the procedure.
Thanks.

[cindy707]

Hi read your post....yep its okay for the doc to switch between the beta blockers because they are all in the same family....what is not good tho is to suddenly stop taking them..  I've had the ablation and circumstances similar to yours and i can refer you to great docs...its a simple phone call and you may get a referral for someone in your own country and not have to come this far.  The docs that deveoped the ablation are doctors : Dr. Natale i believe is located in the Texas area and Dr. Mel Scheinman located in Northern California.  I would call either one of their offices and ask for a referral in your country.  They train top dog docs all over the world in the procedure and they may have very well trained someone in your country.  It will be your lucky day when you get that referral.....remember these are the two that came up with the procedure and are pioneers in the field...the best of the best.....good luck to you my friend....