What Are the Treatments for Hand Tremors?
Hand tremors come from different causes such as alcohol abuse, anxiety, or a disease like Parkinson's. There are quite a few medicines readily available for use of the condition, since alternative and relaxation medicine use is discouraged and technically not a form of treatment but rather a coping mechanism for the tremors that may bring temporary comfort. As new treatments develop, there will be renewed hope for people with hand tremors. The best outcome is to relieve symptoms at the moment. There is no cure.
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Relaxation and Alternative Therapy
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According to Cleveland Clinic's article "Drug Treatments for Essential Tremor" updated on June 21st, 2004, some alternative medicines such as herbal therapies could make symptoms worsen for people with tremors. Relaxation methods may be useful for those who have tremors related to anxiety, but is not considered a true treatment in the sense of rehabilitation. Medical intervention has been shown to reduce the severity of tremors. Currently there are a few select medicines that can treat tremors.
Inderal
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Inderal works over a length of time to suppress tremors. Heart rate and blood pressure must be monitored regularly before a long-lasting version of Inderal can be prescribed because it falls under a category of drugs called beta blockers, which carry risks such as fainting, sexual dysfunction and slow heart rate.
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Mysoline
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Mysoline has been deemed to be just as successful with suppressing tremors as Inderal. This is the most useful drug in curbing hand tremors. Mysoline works in 24-hour blocks, and patients may build up a tolerance to the drug. Mysoline is also used when patients cannot handle Inderal. Mysoline may cause blood cell and bone marrow problems, as well as a few other side effects such as confusion, difficulty walking and fatigue.
BoNT
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Two types of Botox are used for tremors: Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A and Myobloc (Subtype B). Both of them are referred to as "BoNT," which is a frequently used medicine with tremors as well as other disorders. These drugs are injected into the site of the problem and work by paralyzing the muscles to reduce tremors. Injections are made once every three months and stop tremors in the head and voice as well as those specifically in the hand.
Alcohol
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Patients have reported that drinking alcohol lessens the effects of the tremors. Alcohol slows the central nervous system and the brain, which can contribute to relaxing tremors.
Benzodiazepines
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Benzodiazepines are used with anxiety disorders and may be used as a last resort for patients who have not responded positively to any other drug use. This sort of drug responds to tremors that are brought on by excitement, anxiety and stress. They have side effects such as memory loss, confusion and sedation.
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