What medications are used to treat tremor?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Medications for Treating Tremor I tremori possono essere trattati con beta-bloccanti come il propranololo 1, che è stato utilizzato per oltre 40 anni per trattare il tremore essenziale. Altri beta-bloccanti, ad esempio il metoprololo, possono anche essere efficaci a seconda del caso 1.

  • La scelta del farmaco e la sua posologia devono essere individualizzate in base alle esigenze del paziente e alla gravità del tremore.
  • È importante notare che la risposta al trattamento può variare da persona a persona, quindi può essere necessario un monitoraggio regolare per aggiustare la posologia e valutare l'efficacia del trattamento.
  • In generale, i beta-bloccanti come il propranololo possono essere una buona opzione per il trattamento del tremore, grazie alla loro efficacia e alla loro relativa sicurezza 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Propranolol is indicated in the management of familial or hereditary essential tremor. Familial or essential tremor consists of involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movements, usually limited to the upper limbs It is absent at rest, but occurs when the limb is held in a fixed posture or position against gravity and during active movement. Propranolol causes a reduction in the tremor amplitude, but not in the tremor frequency. Propranolol is not indicated for the treatment of tremor associated with Parkinsonism

  • Medications used to treat tremor:
    • Propranolol is used to treat essential tremor, specifically familial or hereditary essential tremor 2
    • The specific mechanism of propranolol’s antitremor effects has not been established, but beta-2 (noncardiac) receptors may be involved 2
    • Clinical studies have demonstrated that propranolol is of benefit in exaggerated physiological and essential (familial) tremor 2
    • In a 2 week, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of 9 patients with essential or familial tremor, propranolol reduced tremor severity compared to placebo 2

From the Research

Medications for Treating Tremor

There are no research papers provided that directly address the use of medications for treating tremor. The studies available focus on the use of beta-blockers in various conditions such as Raynaud's disease, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

Beta-Blockers

  • Beta-blockers are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • They have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patient populations, but their use in treating tremor is not supported by the available evidence.

Alternative Treatments

  • There is no information provided in the available studies on alternative treatments for tremor, such as primidone, gabapentin, or topiramate, which are commonly used to treat essential tremor.
  • Further research would be needed to determine the effectiveness of these medications in treating tremor.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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