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How Long Does Lithium Hand Tremor Take To Get Resolved?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015
Question: Lithium carbonate discontinued 3 months ago. However there is still a lithium hand tremor. Is this permanent? How long until it resolves?
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The tremors are not permanent so no need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

Lithium carbonate is known to cause tremors in some individuals. Usually these tremors (Lithium Tremors or LT) occur during first few weeks of starting the drug but some times LT can occur during later course of treatment. In most individuals the tremors occur more in frequency on concomitant use of excess tea, coffee, tobacco smoking or any other neuroleptic (Anti psychotic drug). In most individuals on reducing the doses or after discontinuation of the drug the tremors reduce in frequency in about 4 weeks. But in some exceptional circumstances they may take about 5-6 months to get resolved. I would advise you to reduce you intake of tea, coffee and if you smoke then try to cut down the smoking habit. This would help in early improvement.

Commonly Propranolol is used for treatment of LT and the drug reduces the tremor in most individuals. Even taking the supplements containing Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxin results in reduction of tremors. In some studies it has been found that B6 vitamin supplements are known to reduce the tremors caused by Lithium Carbonate. You can discuss with your doctor and can start these drugs.

Coming to your questions-

- No these tremors are not permanent.

- With in 6 months these tremors will reduce in severity.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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How Long Does Lithium Hand Tremor Take To Get Resolved?

Brief Answer: The tremors are not permanent so no need to worry Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries Lithium carbonate is known to cause tremors in some individuals. Usually these tremors (Lithium Tremors or LT) occur during first few weeks of starting the drug but some times LT can occur during later course of treatment. In most individuals the tremors occur more in frequency on concomitant use of excess tea, coffee, tobacco smoking or any other neuroleptic (Anti psychotic drug). In most individuals on reducing the doses or after discontinuation of the drug the tremors reduce in frequency in about 4 weeks. But in some exceptional circumstances they may take about 5-6 months to get resolved. I would advise you to reduce you intake of tea, coffee and if you smoke then try to cut down the smoking habit. This would help in early improvement. Commonly Propranolol is used for treatment of LT and the drug reduces the tremor in most individuals. Even taking the supplements containing Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxin results in reduction of tremors. In some studies it has been found that B6 vitamin supplements are known to reduce the tremors caused by Lithium Carbonate. You can discuss with your doctor and can start these drugs. Coming to your questions- - No these tremors are not permanent. - With in 6 months these tremors will reduce in severity. Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.