Drug-induced tremor Health Article

Definition

Drug-induced tremor is involuntary shaking due to the use of medication. Involuntary means you shake without trying to do so. The shaking occurs when you move or try to hold your arms, hands, or head in a certain position. It is not associated with other symptoms.

See also:

• Essential tremor
• Familial tremor
• Tremor

Alternative Names

Tremor - drug-induced

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Drug-induced tremors are a simple muscle response to certain medications. Drugs that can cause tremors include the following:

• Anticonvulsants such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium (Depakote)
• Bronchodilators such as theophylline and albuterol
• Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine
• Mood stabilizers such as lithium carbonate
• Stimulants such as caffeine

Symptoms

The tremors may affect the hands, arms, head, or eyelids. The tremors rarely affect the lower body and may not affect body sides of the body equally.

The shaking usually involves 6 to 10 movements per second.

The tremors may be:

• Episodic (occuring in discrete bursts)
• Intermittent (come and go with activity, but not always)
• Sporadic (occasional)

They can:

• Disappear during sleep
• Get worse with voluntary movement and emotional stress

Other symptoms may include:

• Head nodding
• Shaking or quivering sound to your voice

Signs and tests

Your doctor can make the diagnosis by performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical and personal history, especially your medication use.

A physical exam will show shaking with movement. There are usually no problems with coordination or mental function.

Other tests are usually not needed. However, further tests may be done to rule out other reasons for the tremors. Tremors that occur when the muscles are relaxed or that affect the legs or coordination may be a sign of another condition, such as Parkinson's disease. Other causes of tremors may include:

• Alcohol withdrawal
• Cigarette smoking
• Hyperthyroidism
• Parkinson's disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Too much caffeine
• Wilson's disease

Blood tests and imaging studies (such as a CT scan of the head, brain MRI, and x-rays) are usually normal.