Tremor caused by lithium

Lithium and Tremor: Cause and Treatment

Lithium is a common medication prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and some other psychiatric conditions. As an effective long-term treatment, some side effects of lithium can be a cause of concern. One of the potential side effects of taking lithium is tremor.

Tremor is an uncontrollable, rhythmic shaking or trembling that often affects the hands, arms, legs, head and face. It is a common symptom experienced by those taking lithium. While unintentional, involuntary movement is a side effect of most mood stabilizers prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder, lithium is especially known to cause tremor problems. In fact, tremor is the most common side effect of lithium treatment.

• The tremor associated with lithium can be mild or severe, depending on the individual.
• Tremor that is caused by lithium may appear as wringing or wriggling of the hands, trembling, or shaking.
• Lithium-caused tremor often worsens when the hands are being used to do something, such as typing, brushing teeth, writing, or drinking from a cup.
• Other common signs of lithium-caused tremor include trembling of the voice, jerking movements of the head and neck, and quivering or shaking of the lips.

The good news is that, for most people, lithium-induced tremor is usually mild and will gradually improve over time. As your body adjusts to lithium, the tremor should become less noticeable.

If the tremor is more severe, some lifestyle changes may help to reduce it. For instance, some people find that reducing their level of stress, cutting back on caffeine and nicotine, and avoiding alcohol helps to reduce lithium-induced tremor.

A doctor may also prescribe additional medications to control the tremor if lifestyle modifications are not effective. Common medications used to treat lithium-induced tremor include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines.

Although tremor is a common side effect of taking lithium, it does not necessarily mean that it is a problem. However, if the tremor is persistent or severe, it is important to contact a doctor for an evaluation.