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Published on: July 3, 2013
Calcium channel blockers and essential tremor
Nifedipine significantly worsened essential tremor and physiological tremor in patients and healthy volunteers. Verapamil did not affect tremor activity, suggesting calcium channel blockers have differential effects on tremor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking.
- Calcium channel blockers are used to treat various cardiovascular conditions, but their effects on tremor are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of nifedipine and verapamil on essential tremor.
- To compare these effects with propranolol and placebo.
Main Methods:
- A single oral dose of nifedipine (10 mg) or verapamil (80 mg) was administered to 8 patients with essential tremor.
- Tremor intensity was measured before and after drug administration.
- Physiological tremor was assessed in 6 healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Nifedipine significantly increased tremor intensity in patients with essential tremor by 71.4%.
- Nifedipine also enhanced physiological tremor in healthy volunteers by 56.0%.
- Verapamil did not significantly alter tremor activity in patients.
Conclusions:
- Nifedipine acutely exacerbates both essential tremor and physiological tremor.
- Verapamil does not appear to significantly affect tremor activity.
- These findings suggest differential effects of calcium channel blockers on tremor.
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