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What Causes Finger Tremors Long After Discontinuing Lithium Carbonate Dosage?
Question: Lithium carbonate with dosages up to 900mg taken for 6 months. Cessation of lithium occurred 12 months ago. At the time of cessation, lithium tremors were quite troublesome so that even eating soup was difficult. Fortunately, most of the bad tremors have rapidly healed within 2 months and further significant improvement occurred within 7 months of cessation. However, finger tremors still appear during very fine precise tasks such as high speed typing or trying to use eye drops. Are these tremors permanent? Is there any way to cure them?
Brief Answer:
May be permanent, treatment only if disabling
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Lithium therapy unfortunately is known to be associated with tremor. Most times it subsides as therapy is interrupted but in some cases due to permanent damage to the cerebellum some degree of tremor may be permanent. Since there have passed already 12 months since you interrupted, it I am afraid there is a good possibility that the mild tremor you describe remains permanent.
As for treatment medication like propranolol is used at times, but only in cases when tremor is disabling as medication can have its side effects as well. It doesn't seem to me that is your case, so I wouldn't advise it. There are some reports of improvement by use of vitamin B6. It is not a proven benefit, but since it's an option without side effects you may try that.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
May be permanent, treatment only if disabling
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Lithium therapy unfortunately is known to be associated with tremor. Most times it subsides as therapy is interrupted but in some cases due to permanent damage to the cerebellum some degree of tremor may be permanent. Since there have passed already 12 months since you interrupted, it I am afraid there is a good possibility that the mild tremor you describe remains permanent.
As for treatment medication like propranolol is used at times, but only in cases when tremor is disabling as medication can have its side effects as well. It doesn't seem to me that is your case, so I wouldn't advise it. There are some reports of improvement by use of vitamin B6. It is not a proven benefit, but since it's an option without side effects you may try that.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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