Is carvedilol a stronger beta-blocker than atenolol? i was taking carvedilol for adrenal surges and the doctor is switching me to atenolol?

They have not been studied in a head to head study so we do not know if one is stronger that the other. Not approved for adrenal surges-whatever that is. Discuss with your Drs.

Difficult to answer this question in part because of the vagueness of the term "adrenal surges". If this means episodes of increased blood pressure and/or heart rate, either drug in appropriate doses should show a favorable effect. To make a comparison, one needs to use equivalent doses of the two drugs,often difficult to determine. Strongly recommend that you discuss these issue with your doctor

Agree with my colleagues that the term adrenal surge is not one that is used commonly. A beta-blocker can help reduce symptoms from adrenaline. But if you are having an overactive adrenal gland, more diagnostic studies need to be done, and more definitive treatment needed. Beta blockers are not good choices for hypertension. Carvedilol is great for some kinds of heart failure. Atenolol for post MI