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β‐Blocker–Induced Tremor
Author(s) -
AlShorafat Duha M.,
Bhowmick Suvorit,
Espay Alberto J.,
Fasano Alfonso
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
movement disorders clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.754
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2330-1619
DOI - 10.1002/mdc3.13176
Subject(s) - labetalol , pindolol , medicine , partial agonist , propranolol , essential tremor , agonist , anesthesia , depression (economics) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , receptor , blood pressure , economics , macroeconomics
Background Although the β‐blocker propranolol is considered one of the most effective tremor treatments and other β‐blockers are often prescribed to patients with tremor, those with partial β‐agonist activity on β‐adrenoreceptors can theoretically induce or exacerbate tremor. Here we report 2 patients with tremor induced or worsened by such β‐blockers. Cases Case 1 is a 38‐year‐old man with worsening of tremor in both upper extremities after the introduction of pindolol as an adjunct treatment for severe depression. The tremor improved 1 month after discontinuing this medication. Case 2 is a 77‐year‐old woman with new bilateral hand tremor after receiving labetalol for the management of hypertension during a hospital admission. Tremor markedly attenuated after eliminating labetalol. Conclusion β‐Blockers with partial agonist activity can induce or exacerbate tremor.