An essential tremor refers to a benign condition in which your hands or any other part of your body uncontrollably shakes. According to the Mayo Clinic, manifestations of an essential tremor include a shakiness that worsens with movement, stress, fatigue, caffeine or temperature changes. Certain medications can treat essential tremors.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a class of medications that typically treat high blood pressure. However, they can be used to reduce essential tremors as well. Propranolol is such a beta blocker medication that must be taken as a doctor instructs. According to Drugs.com, propranolol's side effects include diarrhea, constipation, low sex drive, fatigue and sleeping problems. Shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin, fainting and confusion are propranolol's more serious side effects.
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers such as primidone may be used to decrease the anxiety and tension. This can subsequently decrease essential tremors as well. According to the National Library of Medicine, primidone's frequently experienced side effects include dizziness and lack of coordination (ataxia). Nausea, fatigue, vomiting, impotency, double vision (diplopia) and drowsiness are some other side effects.
Other Medications
The Mayo Clinic says that anti-seizure medications and botulinum toxin A are used to treat essential tremors. Anti-seizure medications such as diazepam are normally used to treat convulsions from epilepsy. Diazepam's commonly experienced effects include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, dry mouth, appetite changes and weakness. Seizures, fevers, trouble breathing and an irregular heartbeat are diazepam's other serious side effects.
The botulinum toxin A is an injectable toxin used to paralyze muscles. The Mayo Clinic says that this toxin is used to manage essential tremors of the head and voice. Unfortunately, this drug is temporary and works for only up to three months. You must undergo another set of botulinum toxin A injections after that time period to continue managing your essential tremors.
