Tremor

[stash]

Hi, I'm concerned about my tremor ...

I currently take 5 or 10 mg propranolol which works really well, but I worry about the long term effects of using this drug ...

I'm a medical student so I'm in a career where a tremor is not such a good thing ...

One thing I have noticed, that I can't find much information on, is that my tremor is significantly worse if I get too much sleep...

I thought this might be a hypoglycemic issue so I tested my blood sugar with a glucometer and it doesn't seem to be a problem...

Have you heard of a tremor being worse after say 10-12 hours of sleep, rather than say 7 hours of sleep?

Any advice or suggestions as to how to live with this, reduce it, treat it, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I have also thought about taking an SSRI to perhaps combat any psychogenic component the tremor may have ....

Thank you.

[MG (Admin)]

Well I assume the diagnosis is essential tremor.
Propranolol is a good treatment for this with minimal if any long term side effects.
A higher dose is often given for tremor (up to 360mg slow release), with low incidence of side effects.

Lack of sleep, caffeine, having a hang-over, stress and thyroid issues can all make it worse.
I would check thyroid function if it has not been done already.

Have you had a full exam to confirm the diagnosis of ET?
Does alcohol make it better (this is not a treatment option, just helps with the diagnosis).
Anyone in the family with tremor?