Nervousness and slight hand tremors

[aaccsd]

Hello, I need propranolol to relieve my nervousness and slight hand tremors. Do I need to take it long term?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to thyroid forum

Propranolol can be prescribed as a temporary measure but it shouldn’t be stopped abruptly. When you no longer need it reduce it gradually.

Did the doctor discuss if this was intended to be temporary or long term?

Propranolol has significant impact on uptake & conversion of thyroid replacement hormones. It can also affect magnesium & parathyroid level - It’s not always the best option if you’re on replacement.

Do you know what’s causing nervousness & hand tremors?

Can you add more about your thyroid issue? Do you have any results? it might be your treatment needs adjusting.

[aaccsd in reply to PurpleNails]

thank you for your reply.

After the test, I didn't have a thyroid problem.

I get nervous and anxious easily in unfamiliar situations, which can cause tremors in my hands.

So I'm wondering if I need to take propranolol long term to relieve tension and anxiety, or when I experience emotions like this.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome aaccsd,

I had extreme anxiety symptoms, plus palpitations and tremor before I was adequately medicated thyroid wise and key thyroid vitamins (folate, ferritin, B12 and vit D) were optimal. As PurpleNails has recommended, we need to see blood test results to offer comprehensive advice.

[aaccsd in reply to Buddy195]

Hi Buddy195,

I don't have a thyroid problem but my heart palpitations and tremors bother me a lot and I am hoping that taking propranolol long term will reduce my anxiety.

I hope you can give me some advice, thank you very much

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Have you had any thyroid tests at all? Your symptoms sound like mine before I started thyroid medication

[aaccsd in reply to Buddy195]

I had a thyroid test.

I initially learned that some of my symptoms were similar to those of my thyroid, such as a high heart rate and hand tremors. But after examination, it was not a thyroid problem.

The doctor diagnosed me with essential tremor and prescribed propranolol

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I would still ask for copies of the thyroid blood test from your GP and share with members. When medics say normal/ within range, this may not be optimal.

[aaccsd]

Hello, here are my thyroid blood test results

T3: 1.93

T4: 103.70

TSH: 1.890

FT3: 4.95

FT4: 19.30

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to aaccsd]

Can you add ranges please (ranges vary between labs)

By most ranges they look healthy.

I found propranolol must be taken on time or I get headaches. I remain on a low dose long term to prevent migraines.

Originally I was prescribed it as had fast heart rate caused by over active thyroid.

I use a powdered magnesium citrate supplement in evening. This can help with sleep & help prevent depletion of magnesium levels which can be increased with propranolol use.

[aaccsd in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi PurpleNails, Here are the standard ranges for thyroid blood test results

T3:1.3-3.1

T4:66-181

TSH:0.27-4.2

FT3:3.1-6.8

FT4:12-22

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to aaccsd]

There aren’t standard ranges. They vary between labs.

I’ve seen this range before but there are others. It’s to do with how machines are calibrated.

A test sample should records the same % through given range.

[aaccsd in reply to PurpleNails]

I understand now, thank you