Drug-induced tremors can occur when you move your body a certain way or are in certain positions. Medications that cause the tremors include certain antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. Certain medications can both cause tremors and worsen any tremors you already have from Parkinson’s disease or another similar disorder. Animal and human studies on mephedrone, have provided convincing evidence for the abuse potential of synthetic cathinones.
Possible Association of Tremors and Dysarthria with Losartan Use: A Case Report
Comparable research on the addictive potential of other synthetic cathinones, such as MDPV, is still required; however, given the frequency of mephedrone use in the United States, it is reasonable to expect analogous human psychobehavioral patterns. If the tremor is a side effect of a medication, the drug can often be switched to one that does not cause tremor. If the tremor is inherited or has no known cause, it may be eased through the use of beta-blockers, seizure medication, or muscle relaxants. Many people obtain relief from biofeedback or other methods of reducing stress.
A link between lisinopril and hand tremors was not on our radar scope until we received a question about it a few months ago. Since then, we have received many other reports about lisinopril and hand tremors. The second area of interest with respect to these medications is their potential ability to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s dementia. Drug-induced tremors are caused by your brain’s response to the chemicals in certain medications.
Treatment
Depending upon the cause, some tremors worsen with deliberate actions, while others become worse at rest. Q. After I read on your website that lisinopril could cause hand tremors, I asked my doctor to change my blood pressure medication. She said she hadn’t heard of any connection between the two and suggested I see a neurologist. Some go away after you take the medicine for a while, but if you’re bothered by persistent side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctors about solutions.
In some cases, it is not possible to reduce the dose of the offending agent and additional medication (e.g., propranolol) may be necessary to try and treat the tremor. In rare instances where clinically appropriate, deep brain stimulation surgery may be necessary to ameliorate the tremor. Tremors can occur in the setting of withdrawal states, especially with benzodiazepines, ethanol, and opiates.
- For example, if you take an extra water pill (diuretic), you probably won’t have any serious problems, but will want to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- But researchers say more study is needed to confirm the link and that patients shouldn’t stop taking those medicines.
- Tremor is significant as a medical symptom when it affects your daily activities, like your ability to eat food, walk, dress or work.
- We always thought we knew about lisinopril side effects such as cough, digestive upset, high potassium levels, sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, headache, fatigue and swelling of the mouth, throat or abdomen (angioedema).
- He was put on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) protocol and then admitted for further care.
What is the treatment for tremor?
Cerebellar damage due to longstanding abuse (ethanol) or toxic states can also cause intention tremors that can be quite bothersome. Anticonvulsant drugs are among the most common causes of drug-induced tremors. Anticonvulsants are used for a variety of medical conditions, including epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Bronchodilators, which are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as asthma, can also cause tremors. Although epidemiologic studies of emergency department patients intoxicated with psychoactive bath salts have allowed for the characterization of some of their active compounds such as mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), the contents of these synthetically manufactured bath salts vary.
Drug-induced tremor, clinical features, diagnostic approach and management
A tremor that occurs when the muscles are relaxed or that affects the legs or coordination may be a sign of another condition, such as Parkinson disease. The speed of the tremor can be an important way to determine its cause. Tremor is diagnosed through physical examination and laboratory testing. During the physical examination, the doctor will observe how well the patient can perform certain activities, and the patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, and sensations may be evaluated. Details about the first sign of abnormal muscle movement, the type of tremor, its location, and any exacerbating triggers are important for ruling out other conditions that can cause tremor. Nobody likes to feel out of control of their body, so developing tremor can be concerning.
- Certain medications can both cause tremors and worsen any tremors you already have from Parkinson’s disease or another similar disorder.
- If your medicine makes your blood pressure too low or lowers it too quickly, you could have symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, and tiredness.
- Any medication can cause side effects, and medications for high blood pressure (hypertension) are no exception.
- The onset, timing, and severity of symptoms depend on the medication or drug that the patient is withdrawing from, the duration and severity of its use, and the baseline physiologic reserve of the patient.
- The movements look like trembling or shakiness and can range from mild to severe.
It’s rare to get severe side effects from your high blood pressure medications. Read the insert that comes with your medicine for warnings and advice about when to call your doctor. You might start high blood pressure treatment with just one drug, or your doctor may prescribe two. If the first drug or combination doesn’t get your blood pressure down enough, even with dosage increases, another medication may be added.
These substances can carry severe psychiatric (agitation, psychosis), neurologic (confusion), and cardiac (autonomic instability) sequelae, as well as risk for organ injury and death. Achieving rapid and effective sedation represents the most urgent intervention along with evaluation for evidence of renal or hepatic injury and the need for external cooling measures. Psychiatric complications from synthetic cathinone intoxication, including hallucinations and delusions of persecution, can be prolonged, necessitating management with antipsychotic medications or psychiatric hospitalization once the patient is medically stabilized. A variety blood pressure medications that cause tremors of medical conditions may lead to the triad of signs and symptoms described above. One of the most common is a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)–mediated receptor withdrawal syndrome.
Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy screening remains the gold standard for detection of active molecules in samples of urine and serum and would allow for a definitive diagnosis. As with most toxic presentations, however, laboratory testing is of limited diagnostic value due to reporting delays; prompt recognition of the clinical toxidrome and aggressive management are of highest importance. One large study suggested that thiazide water pills (diuretics) have fewer side effects and work better on average than other drugs commonly prescribed as first treatments for high blood pressure. Immunosuppressants, which are used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, can also lead to drug-induced tremors. Drugs used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders such as antipsychotics, lithium, and certain antidepressants are also potential causes of drug-induced tremors. Caffeine is a stimulant that can also cause you to have tremors or can worsen existing tremors.
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