Drug-induced tremor is a type of tremor that is caused by the use of certain medications. This type of tremor can occur as a side effect of taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or as a result of substance abuse.
The most common medications that can cause drug-induced tremor include stimulants such as caffeine, amphetamines, and methylphenidate, as well as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. In addition, some drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease can also cause tremors as a side effect.
Drug-induced tremor can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the hands and arms. The tremor can range from mild to severe and can be intermittent or constant.
How Long Do Drug-Induced Tremors Last
The duration of drug-induced tremors can vary depending on several factors, including the type of medication, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health. In some cases, tremors may develop shortly after starting a new medication and resolve once the medication is discontinued or the dosage is reduced. In other cases, tremors may persist even after the medication is stopped or the dosage is reduced.
In general, tremors caused by medications tend to improve or resolve within weeks to months after the medication is discontinued or the dosage is reduced. However, in some cases, tremors may persist for several months or even years after stopping the medication.
Common Drugs That Can Cause Tremor
There are several drugs that can cause tremors, these include:
1. Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause tremors in some people. The tremors are typically mild and may be more noticeable in the hands or fingers.
2. Amphetamines: Amphetamines are a class of drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers, as well as other side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
3. Methylphenidate: Methylphenidate is another stimulant that is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Like amphetamines, it can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
4. Lithium: Lithium is a medication that is used to treat bipolar disorder. It can cause a range of side effects, including tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
5. Valproic acid: Valproic acid is a medication that is used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
6. Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine is a medication that is used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
7. Phenytoin: Phenytoin is a medication that is used to treat seizures. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
8. Gabapentin: Gabapentin is a medication that is used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and anxiety. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
9. Pregabalin: Pregabalin is a medication that is used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and anxiety. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
10. Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can cause tremors as a side effect. The tremors may be more noticeable in the hands or fingers.
11. Antipsychotics: Some antipsychotics, particularly first-generation antipsychotics such as haloperidol and second-generation antipsychotics such as risperidone, can cause tremors as a side effect. The tremors may be more noticeable in the hands or fingers.
12. Anti-anxiety medications: Some anti-anxiety medications, particularly benzodiazepines such as Xanax, diazepam, and lorazepam, can cause tremors as a side effect. The tremors may be more noticeable in the hands or fingers.
13. Dopamine agonists: Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole and ropinirole are medications that are used to treat Parkinson’s disease. They can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
14. Levodopa: Levodopa is a medication that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
15. Theophylline: Theophylline is a medication that is used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
16. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone are medications that are used to treat inflammation and autoimmune disorders. They can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
17. Beta-agonists: Beta-agonists such as albuterol are medications that are used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. They can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers.
18. Tramadol: Tramadol is a medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers, as well as other side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and constipation.
19. Methotrexate: Methotrexate is a medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer, as well as autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers, as well as other side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
20. Interferon: Interferon is a medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer, as well as viral infections such as hepatitis C. It can cause tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers, as well as other side effects such as flu-like symptoms and fatigue.
It’s important to note that the severity of tremors caused by these medications can vary from person to person, and not everyone who takes these medications will experience tremors. Additionally, some of these medications may only cause tremors as a rare or uncommon side effect, while others may cause tremors more frequently or at higher doses. If you are experiencing tremors that you suspect may be related to medication use, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication dosage or prescribe a different medication that is less likely to cause tremors.
How To Stop Drug-Induced Tremor
The treatment for drug-induced tremor depends on the underlying cause of the tremors and the severity of the symptoms. In cases where the tremors are mild and not affecting the individual’s quality of life, the best approach may be to simply monitor the symptoms and continue with the current medication regimen.
However, if the tremors are severe or interfering with daily activities, there are several treatment options that may be considered:
1. Switching medications: If the tremors are caused by a specific medication, your healthcare provider may consider switching to a different medication that is less likely to cause tremors.
2. Dose reduction: In some cases, reducing the dosage of the medication that is causing the tremors may help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
3. Addition of a medication: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, can be used to help manage tremors. Your healthcare provider may consider adding a medication to your treatment regimen to help reduce the severity of the tremors.
4. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help individuals with tremors learn techniques to improve their ability to perform daily activities. This may include exercises to improve strength and coordination, as well as strategies to minimize the impact of tremors on activities such as eating, writing, or typing.
5. Deep brain stimulation: In some cases, deep brain stimulation may be recommended for individuals with severe tremors that are not responding to other treatments. This involves implanting a device that delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain to help reduce the severity of tremors.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for drug-induced tremors. They can help you understand the underlying cause of the tremors and work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
