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Control of lithium tremor with propranolol
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|April 3, 1976
Summary
Lithium tremor, an irregular shaking of the extremities, can be effectively managed with propranolol. This beta-adrenergic blocker offers long-term efficacy without requiring dosage increases for tremor control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium therapy can induce tremor, a condition distinct from essential tremor or drug-induced tremors.
- The exact cause of lithium tremor is not fully understood but is hypothesized to involve peripheral mechanisms.
Observation:
- Five patients experiencing lithium tremor were observed.
- The tremor was characterized as irregular, nonrhythmic, and variable in intensity and frequency, affecting distal extremities.
Findings:
- Propranolol demonstrated successful treatment outcomes in all five patients.
- The effective dosage of propranolol was typically 30-40 mg daily, divided into smaller doses, requiring individual adjustment.
Implications:
- Propranolol is a viable therapeutic option for managing lithium-induced tremor.
- Long-term administration of propranolol proved effective, maintaining its therapeutic benefit without escalation.