Tremors: Is there medication that works on... - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

26,039 members27,333 posts

Tremors

fel3k profile image
75 Replies

Is there medication that works on tremors with no side effects?

Thanks.

Written by
fel3k profile image
fel3k
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
75 Replies
docjleonard55 profile image
docjleonard55

I take Sinemet 1.5 3x/day, and Amantadine. Neither seems to help with my tremor, although they do help with the stiffness and bradykinesia. The only side effect is nausea with the Sinemet.

tid1 profile image
tid1 in reply to docjleonard55

In case you haven't tried this, my dr. said to eat a few crackers with sinement if it causes nausea.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson

Yes, but any answers won't help because some drugs will work for some, but not for everyone. You are stuck with trial and error and for tremor to be resolved with drugs, and you specify without side effects, you are mostly in for error. Have you tried B1?

fel3k profile image
fel3k in reply to MBAnderson

HwP is on B1 and he’s still experimenting on the right dose. I recently read an article on “refeeding syndrome”. As HwP had an odor when he took c/l .. he stopped meds and smell was gone. Experience the same with B1 but there’s a reason ..the body needs it …to continue the B1 even if the smell returns ..eventually it should dissipate with enough B1. Tremors and drooling are hard for him. Thanks. He may have to try another drug.

kevowpd profile image
kevowpd in reply to fel3k

B1 is not an effective monotherapy for PD. Even they who 'invented' the protocol made it clear it needed levodopa taken with it for it to be effective.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to kevowpd

But, I think some have said B1 eliminated their tremor - no?

kevowpd profile image
kevowpd in reply to MBAnderson

Dunno. People say a lot of things. And for a lot of different reasons. Even simon referenced the "vested interests" around b1 in his article earlier this year. Who do you suppose he was talking about?

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, no? This poster's HWP clearly has inadequately treated PD symptoms. Her previous comments indicate great enthusiasm for the b1 protocol so i suspect she will persevere with it. That being the case, she might as well do what Dr C advised.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to kevowpd

He wasn't talking about all the people on this forum who have reported significant benefit.

kevowpd profile image
kevowpd in reply to MBAnderson

Yes and almost all of those people are taking PD meds also, which is what i suggested.

Was B1 an effective monotherapy for you?

Bonzu profile image
Bonzu in reply to MBAnderson

B1 increased my hand tremors significantly. Twice I tried it with exactly same result. Unfortunately it was not for me.

KERRINGTON profile image
KERRINGTON in reply to Bonzu

B 1 increases my hand tremor when I've had too much, then I take a break from it.

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi in reply to MBAnderson

I haven't noticed them MBA, most are trying to work out dosage. Very few post any convincing ongoing success.

Cutie2001 profile image
Cutie2001 in reply to fel3k

What kind of odor may I ask ?

fel3k profile image
fel3k in reply to Cutie2001

fermented yeast

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to MBAnderson

per Dr C … B1 rarely works for tremor. Doesn’t help my tremor, ever. C/L usually does. maybe .75 of time. As my MDS says, tremor can be set off emotionally, fatigue, exercise, etc. regardless of C/L dosage. I found this to be true. Years ago Amantadine worked for 1-2 years but had undesirable side effects. I’m good with C/L.

Lizzy9 profile image
Lizzy9 in reply to ParlePark

Hello PerlePark ~ If you don’t mind ~ what were the “undesirable” side effects? And did your doctor guide you on taking you off it?

Thank you for your time and help.

Have a fabulous day!

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Lizzy9

I experienced 2 side effects. 1 ankle swelling which as I recall is a common side effect. My mds originally recommended compression socks which I used for a few months Then I experienced horrible insomnia which receded after I discontinued use. Yes. She took me off it and put me on C/L which I still use years later. I seem to tolerate it just fine.

Lizzy9 profile image
Lizzy9 in reply to ParlePark

Thank you for your quick answer. I appreciate your help. Have a fabulous day!!

fel3k profile image
fel3k in reply to ParlePark

side effects from what?

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to fel3k

Amantadine.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

What form of c/l do you take?

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Smittybear7

presently taking 50/200 ER- 8,11,3,7. I also randomly take 1/2 25/100 IR if needed - if tremors are very bad , usually only once a day either 7, 3 or if I wake up in middle of night Again only if needed (1/2 25/100 IR)I try to take my C/L on time every day.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

I take 1 c/l(25-100) IR every 6 hours. I think I need an adjustment. Is the ER form longer lasting? Any side effects different from c/l IR. I don't want any additional side effects . Looks like you don't take a dose before bed? How well do you sleep?Thanks for your help

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Smittybear7

Smitty, you may be correct, you may need an adjustment but please don’t think “well if he takes it…”. I would think your doc could answer re I/R vs E/R easily enough. This is basic stuff. You may have read, and I’ve found it to be true. Most Dr’s start on immediate release. Mine did but was taking too often. At my recommendation (actually Park Bear’s ) she ordered E/R. I’m on it now for probably a year or close to it PB wrote a thread which I felt was well researched and actually showed us his findings

By the way I’ve found PB to be one of the few, reliable resources

Yes for me, it definitely is longer lasting. Sometimes, not always I have mild dyskinesia. Not too bad. I take at 700 pm. If needed, often not, 1/2 25/100 IM , but again this is 4 me. My sleep pattern has changed for the better. Lately I sleep 6-7 hours a night. I used to take melatonin but presently do not. Smitty; I am hesitant to answer your questions as it may not be in your best interests. If you are uncomfortable with your Doc. Get a new one. That’s my advice.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

Thanks I'm looking for another PCP AND MOVEMENT SPECIALIST. I like my neurologist but he defers to the move specialist who just pushes drugs. Good luck to you and thank you for the time and help. I'm just really struggling and appreciate your kindness.

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Lizzy9

yes my doctor took me off of Amantadine quite a while ago.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

How much c/l are you taking?

fel3k profile image
fel3k

The Parkinson’s B1 protocol

Daphne Bryan’s book.

HwP is following her protocol as per Dr Constantini of Italy who discovered B1 therapy.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to fel3k

Ms. Bryan is donating all proceeds from her book, which she doesn't have to do.

chartist profile image
chartist

One supplement that might be worth a try is Citicoline which has been shown to reduce tremor and other PD symptoms as well as allow a reduction in Sinemet dose by up to 50% :

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/332....

Here is a relevant quote from the systematic review :

' A total of 7 studies (2 crossover, 3 randomized controlled, and 2 open prospective studies) were included. Despite the varied outcome tools, this review found that patients with PD who were taking citicoline had significant improvement in rigidity, akinesia, tremor, handwriting, and speech. Citicoline allowed effective reduction of levodopa by up to 50%. Significant improvement in cognitive status evaluation was also noted with citicoline adjunctive therapy. '

Here is a link to multiple Citicoline products :

amazon.com/s?k=Citicoline&c...

Art

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to chartist

been taking citicholine for several years. Found benefit of increasing efficacy of C/L. Maybe some cognitive issues as well. But has never worked in tremor. However, I am tremor dominant for bout 6 years. I find reducing stress with C/L helps reduce tremor, at least in my case.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

How much citicoline do you take?How much c/l do you take?How did you determine how much c/l you were able to cut back? Thanks

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Smittybear7

Re : Citicholine, I read Dr Mischley book and ran it by my Dr. Since (seems to me) we are all different ages, symptoms, illnesses, allergies , etc. so I take all advice with a grain of salt. I strongly recommend you do your research and discuss it with you DR. I do. I go to a very smart and knowledgeable MDS whom I totally respect. She was not trained in many supplements( as is common with many Dr’s) although she was with NIH for many years and has advised me certain supplements and vitamins.

. Re citicholine-,she was not familiar with it. She researched it and was appreciative of The introduction to Citicholine. She concluded it was safe and was fine for me to take. Supplements and drugs can and do interfere negatively (as well as positively) with other drugs and supplements regarding one’s biology and illness’s . One reason Iet my MDS be aware of everything I presently take or considering taken. My other advice is, if you are uncomfortable or do not trust or respect your DR, interview others.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

How do you find a dr that uses supplements and alternative medicine and treatments? My neurologist, PCP and movement specialist say things like you don't need that. Or that won't be here for several years. I asked about DBS, BIOPHOTOMODULATION, FUS,B1 THERAPY. I am seeing an other movement specialist later this month. Hopefully I'll get a better response. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Smittybear7

I don’t think there are many. And also don’t think that is most important criteria. Too me, competence, experience, compassion and open mindedness top the list . Ask other local doctors for recommendations. I f your doc is unaware of DBS, FUS, etc. then he is living in a cage or perhaps he feels it’s not for you to think about at this time. I dunno. Ask him/her why he responded the way he did. I’ ve experienced quite similar with a different MDS and they are extremely competent and compassionate. Sometimes I think best if you are really interested in a particular supplement, research, not photos, video, testimonials but with papers from well respected medical institutions

I highly recommend a very bright and fantastic person (PD over 13 years) and her journey I highly recommend you watch this YouTube it may give you a very informed perspective IMHO May have already been recommended by another member

Https://youtu.be/6RFaBZyZ9pw

The skeptics guide for living with Parkinson’s

you’ll be glad you did.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

Thank you I'll check it out. Appreciate your help.

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

Having trouble finding the youtube you recommended. Https://youtu.be/6RFaBZyZ9pw

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to ParlePark

Interesting YouTube. I found it. Thank you

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Smittybear7

I’ve personally experienced quite a bit of what she discusses and find it to be true. I thinks it’s important to be optimistic, and I feel we must be skeptical when extraordinary claims are made as Karen (Carl Sagan) stated. . I agree with her that exercise helps with symptoms I’m pretty sure on that as dx 6 years ago been a dedicated cyclist 3-4 times a week 20+ years at least once every week 50-100+ miles with a minimum of 5,000 ft ascent, steep. I live in SoCal. for past 6 months after 2 back fusions, disc replacement in neck I can’t exercise until ablation next wed Per surgeon. Symptoms have amplified, no doubt I hope to be exercising 6-7 days a week on Peloton as with a real bad back I’m restricted to stationary also 75 so I must be realistic about this

Lots of good and very nice people here Some with very good advice Some with bad advice Be skeptical, be smart

I think anyone reading this thread should view this YouTube I love the perspective

Https://youtu.be/6RFaBZyZ9pw

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to chartist

How can I get the information in English? How much did you take that helps to Eliminate the tremors?

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to chartist

How do you know how much to take?

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to Smittybear7

This study used 1200 mg/day :

researchgate.net/publicatio...

A relevant study quote :

' Eighty-five patients with an established diagnosis of primary Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to receive their usual dose of levodopa (mean, 381 mg daily) plus 1,200 mg of citicoline daily or half their usual dose of levodopa (mean, 196 mg daily) plus the citicoline. '

Citicoline is also beneficial for glaucoma and PwP have increased incidence of glaucoma as I wrote about here :

healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

Art

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply to chartist

Thanks

fel3k profile image
fel3k

thank you so much. Do you know how much of a dose to start on? It’s worth a try.

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to fel3k

I’m not a dr. Dr Mischley (I believe) had recommended between 250-500mg per day. I recommend doing your own research and not listening to me. IMHO Art is correct though, I’ve been able to lower my C/L dosage by taking citicholine. Dr Mischley has written about it in her book Natural Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease.

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi in reply to ParlePark

Dr Mitchley may be right but she is doesn't make it particularly clear that she is not a medical doctor. I think she is a nutritionalist.

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to Hikoi

I believe you are correct about that with a doctorate. However,I found the book quite informative.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to ParlePark

These are Dr Mischley's credentials "

michaeljfox.org/researcher/....

Here is a relevant quote from the article :

' Laurie K Mischley, ND, MPH, PhD(c), studied naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, and epidemiology and nutritional sciences at the University of Washington. '

Art

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark in reply to chartist

thanks Art.

chartist profile image
chartist

naturalmedicinejournal.com/...

This study used 1200 mg/day :

researchgate.net/publicatio...

Talk with your doctor about it as a downward adjustment in levodopa may be needed and to also make sure it is compatible with every drug you are taking.

Art

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1

Sinemet and Propanolol helps me!

Mimilemew profile image
Mimilemew

My husband has been using the Vilim Ball for his hand tremor and it helps him a lot, he feels a lot more confident now. This is were we purchased it from, I know there are others in this forum that use it as well, that's how we found out about it. vilim.lt/en/vilim-ball/

PDWarrior1900 profile image
PDWarrior1900 in reply to Mimilemew

thanks but i just found this 'copy' at Amazon for HUNDREDS of DOLLARS LESS!

amazon.com/s?k=vilim+ball+f...

Astronomer90 profile image
Astronomer90

Propranolol helps my tremors. It reduces it by 50-60%.

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji

For how long have you been taking it. How much is the dose?

Astronomer90 profile image
Astronomer90 in reply to Farooqji

I take as required. I normally work from home. But if I have to go to work or attend a social event then I take Propranolol 20mg. It get me through for 3 hours. I take another 20mg if required.

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi in reply to Astronomer90

Sounds like essential tremor. Propanolol is used for that.

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh

I've had Botox injections into my wrist and elbow. It reduced the tremors significantly but each treatment lasts roughly 3 months. A little less grip strength is the only side effect.

PDWarrior1900 profile image
PDWarrior1900 in reply to kaypeeoh

WOW! great post! first i've ever heard of this treatment... How much of your tremors are reduced percentage wise?

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh in reply to PDWarrior1900

I don't know. I could feel and see a difference but don't know how to quantify it. Before the botox, everyone could see my tremoring arm in constant motion. After the botox I still had motion but it was mostly internal, meaning I could feel a tremor but it was difficult to see.

PDWarrior1900 profile image
PDWarrior1900 in reply to kaypeeoh

thanks for the reply... and that's what i have now.... THOUSANDS of internal tremors daily -- mostly in both arms and hands, but literally ... everywhere in my body... my MDS neuro is a traditional western medicine type of guy... only 'pills and surgery' ... so i'm still looking for alternative solutions

ba12162001 profile image
ba12162001

B1 gave me nasty insomnia. I stopped immediately. Never again.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345

I feel like the shaking for my husband is worse if he is feeling anxious or is running late with his madopar.

I would ensure you don’t run late with medication. It might help to take it a lower dose more frequently.

For the anxiety try GABA. He uses sublingual KAL 25 mg. If that isn’t enough to calm nerves try a very low dose of clonazapam. He cuts a 0.5 mg one into 1/4 and takes that throughout the day on a regular basis. It takes a few days taking it regularly to calm the nerves.

And of course try and find anything that is causing increased anxiety and try and address that if it is possible.

Fava-1 profile image
Fava-1

Passion flower tincture is supposed to help

fel3k profile image
fel3k in reply to Fava-1

thank you. HwP will give that a try.

Fava-1 profile image
Fava-1 in reply to fel3k

Check out book "Green Pharmacy" by James Duke and look under parkinsons disease

Kitefli profile image
Kitefli

Non of the meds I tried improved my tremor so I finally decided on DBS procedure. I just had my programming for DBS device two days ago and haven't found the appropriate stimulation. It takes time so it helps tremor without other side-effects/ Basically, no common solution for everybody.

BTW, I exercise a lot everyday. Swim. hike, weights. ping-pong with intense HR.

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi

Is there any medication with no side effects!! I don't think so!!.

I take a propranolol er. Does good for me.

Jo692 profile image
Jo692

could anyone clarify please about Propanolol.

My BWP was taking it before finally taking sinemet and was told NOT to continue with it. Still has hand shake though and would be useful if ok to combine.

I presume the people taking both have been prescribed by a medical person?

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi in reply to Jo692

There are many different types of tremor. Parkinsons tremor is a resting tremor. Essential tremor happens when you do things, an action tremor. Propanolol works on action tremor not resting tremor. A person with pd could have an action as well as a resting tremor. It is the same drug that is used for 'stage nerves' by actors.

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji

belladonna extract stops tremor

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to Farooqji

Care to give more details on Belladonna Extract stopping tremor?

Art

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji in reply to chartist

Before the discovery of Sinemet, Belladonna extract was the main treatment

drive.google.com/file/d/11s...

chartist profile image
chartist

It looks like they used a combination of very potent drugs to achieve benefit :

' Clinical Study of the Effect of Bulgarian Belladonna Root Extract

Modified by the Addition of Scopolamine, Benzedrine and

Phenobarbital in the Treatment of Psychosis with Post-

Encephalitic Parkinsonism '

It doesn't look like Belladonna was fully effective on its own.

Art

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Amantadine for tremor?

Amantadine? What about side effects? I'm pretty freaked out by the list of possible side effects...

Melatonin and tremors

it helps with hand tremors next day. I tested 3-4 times and realized that my tremors were better...

Tremors and Numbness

progression of tremors it is not that effective. Artane did help a bit but there are terrible side...

Tremor at the dentist

stop the tremor in my left arm. Is there anything I could take before I go to ward off the tremor?...

Tremors are still there

every 8 hours without side effects. I am disappointed that my right hand tremors (main motor...