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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil) are linked to tremors. This article discusses tremors, their types, and the medications and conditions that can contribute to them, along with treatment options. What Is a Tremor? A tremor is an involuntary shaking of the head, limbs, or eyelids. This shaking can occur whether you're moving or still. Tremors: Are usually fast (about four to 12 movements per second)Can come and go or occur in burstsCan subside during sleep and get worse when you're under stressCan include head nodding or a shaky-sounding voice Some tremors occur during rest; some happen during random or specific movements. Antidepressants That Cause Tremors Certain types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants can cause tremors as a side effect.Some studies estimate that 20% of people treated with an SSRI or tricyclic antidepressant will develop a tremor. This may occur at any time after the medication was initiated. SSRI antidepressants include:Celexa (citalopram)Lexapro (escitalopram)Luvox (fluvoxamine)Paxil (paroxetine)Prozac (fluoxetine)Zoloft (sertraline) Tricyclic antidepressants include:Ascendin (amoxapine)Anafranil (clomipramine)Elavil (amitryptyline)Norpramin (desipramine)Pamelor (nortryptyline)Sinequan (doxepin)Surmontil (trimipramine)Tofranil (imipramine)Vivactil (protriptyline)Tremors can also be a symptom of antidepressant withdrawal. You should never stop taking your antidepressant or change your dose without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may recommend gradually tapering your dose in order to minimize symptoms of discontinuation syndrome. Other Medications That Cause Tremors Other psychiatric medications such as lithium and Depakote (sodium valproate), which are mood stabilizers used in bipolar disorder, may also commonly cause tremors. Antipsychotic medications, particularly typical antipsychotics, may cause a tremor similar to Parkinson's disease. Extrapyramidal side effects of these drugs may also include dystonia (involuntary contractions of muscles), tardive dyskinesia (abnormal facial movements such as grimacing and chewing), and akathisia, a feeling of restlessness that may sometimes mimic a tremor. In addition, there are a wide variety of other prescription drugs which may cause tremors. These include:Anticonvulsants (anti-epilepsy drugs)Anti-emetics (anti-nausea drugs)Bronchodilators used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)EpinephrineSome antibioticsSome anti-viral drugsSome chemotherapy drugsSome immunosuppressant medicationsSome heart and blood pressure medicationsStimulants such as caffeine and
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