While there isnt a medication that cures essential tremor, certain medications are available to control symptoms.
These includebeta-blockers,anti-seizure medications,benzodiazepines, andbotulinum toxins.
Nondrug treatment approaches can also be helpful for those living with essential tremor.
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A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment options for you.
Keep reading to learn more about essential tremor and different medications to treat it.
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What Medications Are Available for Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor can significantly affect your daily activities, such as feeding yourself or even signing your name.
They work by reducing smoothmuscle contractionsand easing essential tremor.
Experts recommend beta-blockers as a first-line option for treating essential tremor.
Propranolol
The most commonly recognized FDA-approved beta-blocker for essential tremor is propranolol.
Brand names are Innopran XL and Inderal LA.
Taking propranolol can make symptoms of essential tremor less noticeable.
Some studies show the drug reduces the severity of essential tremor by about half.
However, propranolol may not be effective for everyone with essential tremor.
Accordingly, providers may recommend switching to or adding a different medication.
Anti-seizure medications are thought to reduce essential tremor by altering chemical and electrical impulses in your body and brain.
This may reduce rapid muscle contractions andinvoluntary movement.
Primidone may also be prescribed in combination with propranolol if either medication is not effective enough alone.
Primidone is not safe for everyone.
Some evidence supports gabapentin for reducing handtremors.
However, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
These benzodiazepines are mainly used to relieveanxiety.
However, they are indicated for treatingspasticity(stiff orrigid muscles).
Healthcare providers do not commonly prescribe botulinum toxin injections for essential tremor.
Surgery for Essential Tremor
Some people are eligible forsurgeryfor essential tremor.
Results from studies are somewhat limited or conflicting.
Examples include the following:
Note that some herbs and supplements may interact with prescription drugs.
Other factors may also impact the risk ofdevelopingessential tremor.
Also, environmental exposure to lead or pesticides may put you at a greater risk of developing essential tremor.
What Can Make Essential Tremor Worse?
Some factors can make essential tremor worse.
You shouldnt stop your medication without professional guidance.
Summary
If essential tremor interferes with your daily activities, various medications can help manage it.
The two most common are propranolol and primidone, though they may not work for everyone.
Surgery may also be an option for some people.
More research is needed regarding the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements for essential tremor.
However, nutrition and lifestyle factors like diets high in vegetables may be preventive.
Speak with a healthcare provider to determine if trying a medication for essential tremor is an option for you.
Keep in mind that beta-blockers and anticonvulsants can interact with other medications.
Essential tremor is aneurological conditioncausing involuntary movements and shaking of the body.
Essential tremor can cause shaking of the head, hands, legs, abdomen, and even your voice.
Essential tremor can be mild and may not require treatment, although the condition can get worsen over time.
Thecauseof essential tremor is unknown, though some factors can bring it about or make it worse.
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