Efficacy of Chronic Propranolol Therapy in Action Tremors of the Familial, Senile or Essential Varieties

Abstract

A double-blind, cross-over study of oral propranolol versus placebo in 24 patients with action tremors of the familial, senile or essential varieties showed propranolol to be very useful in the treatment of at least 75 per cent of such patients. It is particularly helpful in relieving disability produced by tremor of the upper limbs. Even if tremor cannot be totally suppressed propranolol may benefit the patient if the amplitude of tremor is decreased to the point where it no longer interferes with writing, eating, drinking or the other activities of daily living. It is more effective than alcohol in some patients and is the first agent to produce satisfactory suppression of severe action tremor without undue sedation or the risk of addiction. Finally, in no case was it necessary to discontinue therapy because of adverse reactions. Propranolol is not effective against nonaction tremors. (N Engl J Med 290:984–988, 1974)