Essential tremors: any ideas on coping and managing tremors?

Posted by jmb73 @jmb73, Aug 23, 2019

I saw my neurologist yesterday and he said that I have essential tremors. He said they will get worse and progress to my other hand. Do any of you have this and if so is there any way I can slow the progress. He said it will probably take 3 years to get really bad. I am on Gababentin for fibromyalgia and restless leg and that is one of the drugs that is for these tremors. I am dropping things from my left hand and he said that will get worse too. I am buying plastic glasses as I dropped a real glass in the dishwasher- what a pain that was to get all the glass slivers out of the dishwasher. I would appreciate any ideas on coping with this and how I can manage it. Thank you

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I and my mother both with essential tremors. I am on Primidone which I believe will be a lifelong treatment. It appears to ne decreasing symptoms. Mine started with my head then progressed to my hands as well. I wish you luck.

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I was diagnosed with essential tremors because my sister has them so the doctors assumed that is what I had. Severe tremors in my left hand and some mild tremors on the left side of my face. I was referred to a motion specialist (I didn't know there was such a specialist). He did a DaTscan to rule out Parkinson which thankfully it wasn't. He diagnosed me with dystopia tremors and put me on Propanadol. Sadly I had severe side effects to it so now I take Primidone 2x a day which helps. He also tried botox which sadly didn't work for me. It stopped my tremors but I lost total strength in my hand for 4 months so I will no longer take those. The tremors have returned but I can live with them. I have a 2 handle mug and special utensils which belp.

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I have cervical dystonia as well as extreme tremors. Like most I take primidone 3xday and I can tell when I miss a dose. I have had this all my life and even enlisted in the Army serving over 20 years. I worked through it by telling people it was from smoking and caffein (both of which I quit). My condition has intensified and I cannot write anymore (left handed). I would gladly take ET if I could get rid of cervical dystonia. CD incurs shoulder and neck spasms, tremors, and awful pain. Botox eases the symptoms, but its no cure. Other than what others are recommending I am not sure what else to recommend other than getting plenty of sleep, trying some physical therapy. Best of luck to you.

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@jennyjoy

I and my mother both with essential tremors. I am on Primidone which I believe will be a lifelong treatment. It appears to ne decreasing symptoms. Mine started with my head then progressed to my hands as well. I wish you luck.

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Is this a 50 mg Primidone tablet ? I too have Essential Tremor.

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@purpleturtle

I was diagnosed with essential tremors because my sister has them so the doctors assumed that is what I had. Severe tremors in my left hand and some mild tremors on the left side of my face. I was referred to a motion specialist (I didn't know there was such a specialist). He did a DaTscan to rule out Parkinson which thankfully it wasn't. He diagnosed me with dystopia tremors and put me on Propanadol. Sadly I had severe side effects to it so now I take Primidone 2x a day which helps. He also tried botox which sadly didn't work for me. It stopped my tremors but I lost total strength in my hand for 4 months so I will no longer take those. The tremors have returned but I can live with them. I have a 2 handle mug and special utensils which belp.

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I like it when members post about their adaptive strategies! 2-handled mug and special utensils.

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@glenner075

Is this a 50 mg Primidone tablet ? I too have Essential Tremor.

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Yes, it is. The first night I took it was awful. Dizzy when standing. Sad. Nightmares. I then reduced the dosage with my Dr's knowledge and gradually increased the dose. I'm now taking 2 50 mg tablets nightly. I'm doing much better with the medication now. Symptoms slightly decreased.

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That should read 2 fifty mg tablets. NOT 250. Sorry.

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@jennyjoy

Yes, it is. The first night I took it was awful. Dizzy when standing. Sad. Nightmares. I then reduced the dosage with my Dr's knowledge and gradually increased the dose. I'm now taking 2 50 mg tablets nightly. I'm doing much better with the medication now. Symptoms slightly decreased.

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Yes Primidone Nightmares is my fate also!

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@glenner075

Yes Primidone Nightmares is my fate also!

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I am doing Camomile tea or small amount of Benadry an hour or so before taking the Primidone. It seems once I fall asleep, I sleep pretty soundly. The nightmares are less. I enjoy the morning energy with the Primidone and ignore the sad thoughts.

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