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Hello all! I am new to this forum. I have mild(?) head tremor (dystonia) and would like to share my experience in hopes of helping others with head tremor.
I have had head tremor for about 5 years. I developed it when I was in college. My head would shake if I get nervous, meet new people, if I think someone is looking at me, when I am infront of a large crowd, when I am startled ...and when I meet a hot chic. It is somewhat reduced if I put my hand on my chin or face and it does go away. When I went to see a neurologist, the dr put me on inderal. it helped with my hand shakes. the hands shakes were gone and i didn't feel drowsy @ 120mg per day. But I still had head tremors. The dr put me on klonopin @ 5 mg for usage whenever necessary. It removed it 100%. the only downside is that it doesn't last a whole day. The drug wears off after about 4 hrs or so. But if you haven't tried klonopin for your head tremor, I'd strongly recommend it. note that I take it only when I need it and not on a daily basis.
the dr didn't want me on klonopin on long term because it's kinda like alcohol where you build up tolerence and some people become addicted. So i went on a series of meds to reduce my head tremor. I tried everything and none have worked: lyrica, mysolin, topamax, and some anti seizure meds as well as anti depressant meds.
in summary, i control my head tremor with a combo of inderal and klonopin. they're gone if I use it. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
-------------------- Head Shaker Posts: 1 | From: East Coast, US | Registered: Nov 2009 | IP: Logged Lady shakesalot Junior Member Member # 45486
Rate Member - posted November 04, 2009 11:12 AM Profile for Lady shakesalot Send New Private Message Edit/Delete Post Reply With Quote Hi and welcome,
I am so pleased that you have been able to all but alleviate your tremor with meds. I have had my head tremor for 20+ plus years. I have tried most medications, apart from going down the anti-depressant route. The only med that reduces my tremor significantly is diazepam, clonazepam etc. Unfortunately as you say, these cannot be used long term due to dependancy. I use diazepam for hairdressing visits although my doctor is not keen on prescribing me this and seems to think all I need to do is some deep breathing exercises! Isnt it so frustrating when doctors refuse to believe that you are not shaking because you are nervous but that it is neurological! Keep us up to date on how you progress. It is great that you have been able to reduce your tremor.
-------------------- Head Shaker Posts: 8 | From: East Coast, US | Registered: Nov 2009
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I have found that 140mgs Inderal plus .5 xanax helps alot.Also the tremors are made worse by taking tylenol for pain or any meds with high caffeine content.I do drink coffee though.I have had to cope with this a very long time,since early childhood and I just turned 60 years old.Botox injections by a qualified doctor also helps.
Posts: 11 | From: north carolina | Registered: Apr 2009
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Caffeine, most definitely will worsen your tremor. I glad xanax works for you. I tried it but it didn't do any good. Has anyone noticed that their tremors are worse in the morning and gets better as the day wear off?
-------------------- Head Shaker Posts: 8 | From: East Coast, US | Registered: Nov 2009
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Mine are much worse in the morning,I try not to be a house guest ,it is too difficult to drink coffee or have breakfast around other people,going out for breakfast,I don't even think about doing that.Some days are worse than others,I have never been able to figure out why.I am at my best around midday,so I get my check writing and hair appoinments done.Learning to cope is a big factor.I don't think anyone ever becomes comfortable with this,just keep hoping and helping when and if we can.
Posts: 11 | From: north carolina | Registered: Apr 2009
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It's so funny how much I can relate to you. If I have guests over, I try not to have breakfast with them. I wonder if something in our sleep is making it worse. I've always wondered how sleep affects our tremors...someone should do a study on it. Anyways, I've come to accept that the tremor is what it is and will try to enjoy my life without worrying about what other people might think. I think it is so easy for us to become introverts and stay away from social events/situations but I am trying to swim against the current.
-------------------- Head Shaker Posts: 8 | From: East Coast, US | Registered: Nov 2009
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Rickie, I've had CD for 20 years now. I have taken Klonopin for at least 15 years. I was warned at first about the addiction problem, but I only take it when my head starts bobbing. I take 1 mg, depending on the day and weather, 3 or 4 times a day. And it's still working after all these years.
Posts: 1 | From: NJ, USA | Registered: Nov 2009
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That's very good to hear that you've been taking klonopin for such a long time and it still does its job at just 1 mg. May I ask how many you usually take per week? Unfortunately, I take 5 mg every Friday and Sunday. I hope I don't end up needing a ridiculous dosage because I build up tolerance. My dr is suggesting botox but I don't want to have needles on my neck.
-------------------- Head Shaker Posts: 8 | From: East Coast, US | Registered: Nov 2009
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Botox hurts a bit but it is well worth a few hours of pain.You don't have to take as much pain meds or others once the botox starts to work.You just have to have a doctor who knows which muscles to inject.It is worth discussing with your dr.It has really been a big benefit to many,check out the National Spasmotic Torticollis Association website.They have alot of info,
Posts: 11 | From: north carolina | Registered: Apr 2009
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