Does anyone know of any medications to treat hand tremors brought on by psych meds?

Question

I was diagnosed with a mental illness years ago, but really started taking it seriously about 4yrs ago. I've tried so many different meds that I've lost count, finally things are starting to get better, I don't hate myself anymore (yay!!!) the issue I'm having has to do with hand tremors, I'm about to start pastry school and I need my hands to be steady. Does anyone have a suggestion of meds that I should ask my doctor about, my next appointment is on 8/13/08.

Answer 1

Propanolol is usually what they prescribe for hand tremors from psych meds. The Propanolol  sometimes has the interesting effect of seeming to make the psych meds work better so that the person feels more in control and not get upset easily. There is speculation that in these cases the reason is that the person's true diagnosis is complex PTSD. The Propanolol alone is being researched in these cases as a treatment for PTSD and complex PTSD. It calms the center of the brain down that contributes to the oversensitivity that causes people so much emotional anguish. People that suffer from complex PTSD, by the way, tend to feel the side effects from medications much more because their whole central nervous system  is in oversensitivity mode, not just their brain. Complex PTSD is usually part of a diagnosis for Borderline Personality Disorder (usually overlooked and not concentrated on because unlike PTSD it's too difficult to find a definite beginning to a trauma because the age of the child when it occurred). It is also oftentimes masked in the midst of other diagnosis and the person suffers immensely by being given round after round of medication that is not needed.  

Answer 2

My psychiatrist prescribed Cogentin (Benztropine) for my tremors.

I only take 1mg daily because when I took it twice daily my mouth got extremely dry. I couldn't speak well and I had to swallow some food by taking a drink of water while I was chewing.

I still get the major leg tremors, I call them crazy legs. LOL.

It usually happens when I sit (driving) or lay down to sleep.

Answer 3

I totally understand where you are coming from. I too, suffer from mental illness and the side effects of the meds. can get pretty bad, but at least the meds. keep me alive. I also have suffered from tremors; hands, legs, voice, etc. There is a drug called Artane. It counteracts the side effects caused from psych meds. Talk to your doctor. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Tremors are a real drag.

Answer 4

Parkinson's meds (Artane, etc) and beta blockers (Proponol, etc) are often used.  Some Parkinson's meds have a mild antidepressant effect, too.  Beta blockers are also used for anxiety.  I haven't heard about the PTSD, but I'm far from expert.  As with the rest of psych meds, response varies by person, so the best one will be the one that works for you.  Work with your pdoc.  The one with which s/he is most familiar or recommends often is the best place to start.

If the "problem" med is Lithium and you are not aware, staying well hydrated reduces or eliminates tremors.  Keeping your electrolites in balance is important, too, so a little V-8 or Gatorade can help.  I'm lucky in that I only have a troublesome tremor when I start to become dehydrated.  It's my signal to drink and within an hour, it solves the problem.  This is the first thing that your pdoc will ask about, so make an extra effort between now and your appt if you have not already been doing so.

Good luck.  Taking meds to counter side effects sucks, but sometimes it is a most excellent solution.

Answer 5

maryjane

Answer 6

I'm not sure how well this will be tolerated or whether it's often used as a standard medication against the side effects of psychotropics as it has side effects itself.

The medication is an anticholinergic agent which is also used acutely for emergency reversal of the extra-pyramidal side effects caused by psychotropic medications. Benztropine is the one used in Australia.

Mention it to the doctor to see what they think about it. But again, i can't guarantee that they will prescribe it just to reduce the tremor if it isn't severe.

Good luck

Answer 7

Im really pleased that you've found something that works for you, and sorry to hear about your side effects. Here in the UK Procycladine is commonly used to counteract a wide variety of side effects from pyschiatric drugs (it may have other names). Dont worry,your doctor will be able to suggest something. Good luck with school!