Drug-induced tremor is involuntary shaking due to the use of medication. Involuntary means you shake without trying to do so. The shaking occurs when you move or try to hold your arms, hands, or head in a certain position. It is not associated with other symptoms.

See also:

• Essential tremor
• Familial tremor
• Tremor

Tremor - drug-induced

Drug-induced tremor is a simple nervous system and muscle response to certain medications. Drugs that can cause tremor include the following:

• Anticonvulsants such as valproic acid (Depakote), and sodium valproate (Depakene)
• Bronchodilators such as theophylline and albuterol
• Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine
• Mood stabilizers such as lithium carbonate
• Stimulants such as caffeine

Images

Central nervous system

Review Date: 06/29/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)