A tremor is involuntary trembling or quivering. It is usually noticed in the tongue, arms or legs. Drugs can sometimes cause a tremor.
A tremor is usually due to a condition in the brain or muscles. Tremors can be quite obvious or barely noticeable. Drugs that affect the brain or muscles may cause a tremor to develop.
A tremor is an involuntary trembling that usually has a steady rhythm. It may occur all the time or only when the affected part of the body is at rest or moving.
Several classes of drugs may cause tremors, including: certain medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, a brain condition that causes posture and movement problemscertain medications used to treat schizophrenia, manic depression, or psychosiscertain medications are used for lung diseases, such as asthmathyroid hormone pills, which are used to treat people with hypothyroidismcertain medications used to treat depressionstimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines
Often, this condition can be prevented. Those with Parkinson's disease or psychosis may be given an extra medication to prevent tremors.
A healthcare professional diagnoses this condition based upon the medical history and physical examination. Since medications can be caused by factors other than medications, the professional will work to identify the cause. For example, Parkinson's disease can cause tremors whether or not a person is taking medication. Further tests or temporarily stopping a medication may be needed to find the cause of a tremor.
In most cases, there are no long-term effects and the tremor goes away when the medication is stopped. Permanent tremors primarily occur in people with psychosis who need many years of medication.
Stopping the drug or adjusting the dose almost always ends the tremors. For those with Parkinson's disease or psychosis who are unable to stop taking the medication, additional medications can be given to stop the tremor.
All medications have side effects. Those given to treat tremors commonly sedate, or quiet, a person and cause a dry mouth. Stopping a medication may cause the original condition to come back or worsen.
The person is generally able to return to regular activities.
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 1998, Fauci et al.
The Pharmacologic Basis of Therapeutics, 1995, Goodman and Gilman.
