[Comparative study of theophylline and propranolol in essential tremor]

Propranolol having been used for decades was compared with low dose theophylline and placebo in the treatment of essential tremor. Ten de novo patients with essential tremor were treated for three months in a blind cross-over study. Tremor assessed by volumetric method decreased significantly after one week propranolol (80 mg/day) administration, while it was reduced by theophylline (150 mg/day) after two weeks. There was no difference between the two treatments after four weeks. During the propranolol period tension and dizziness were observed in some cases. According the results both drugs are recommended for treating of essential tremor.