Essential tremor
| Choice | Drug | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 1st choice | Propranolol tablets 10mg, 40mg, 80mg, 160mg; capsules m/r 80mg, 160mg | Dose: Essential tremor: initially 40mg 2-3 times daily, increased if necessary; maintenance 80-160mg daily 'As required' use may be appropriate (see notes below) |
Prescribing Notes
- Propranolol may be used on an ‘as required’ basis e.g. where tremor is troublesome in stressful situations e.g. social events or work engagements.
- The continued benefit of treatment with a beta blocker should be reviewed.
- Primidone may be useful for essential tremor in patients unable to take beta-blockers due to, for example, asthma, bradycardia or peripheral vascular disease, although primidone can be poorly tolerated e.g. due to somnolence.
Cautions
- Beta-blockers should usually be avoided in patients with a history of asthma, bronchospasm or a history of obstructive airways disease.