What can help ease orthostatic tremor?
Ask the doctor
Q. I was just diagnosed with orthostatic tremor. Clonazepam (Klonopin) does not seem to help. Are there any other effective medications?
A. Orthostatic tremor is a rare condition and the exact cause is unknown.
The symptoms are quite unusual. Although it is a form of tremor, people who have this condition don't always describe a tremor. Instead they feel unsteady when they stand in one place. The feeling goes away if they walk or sit down. The feeling of unsteadiness is often so uncomfortable that people with orthostatic tremor avoid standing still, such as in line in the grocery store.
Most people with this disorder also have a tremor in their hands.
Orthostatic tremor can sometimes be associated with Parkinsonism (symptoms that look similar to Parkinson's disease) or restless legs syndrome. While orthostatic tremor lasts forever, the symptoms don't tend to get worse over time.
Unfortunately, no treatments have a great success rate. Clonazepam is the drug prescribed most often. It decreases symptoms in some people. Other drugs to consider include levodopa (Sinemet) for Parkinsonism or primidone (Mysoline) if hand or head tremor is also present.
Image: © FreshSplash/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
