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Are Body Tremors While On Sertraline Indicative Of Parkinson's Disease?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015
Question: Hi, I am a 27 year old female. My body has been shaking, not so noticeable but I can feel it and see my hands shake a little when I move them, it does not happen when at rest but when I walk I feel my whole body shaking. I have been on sertraline 100mg for over a year now (for anxiety) it has helped me a lot but now I am having these tremors that are driving me crazy, it makes me feel very tired. I have been worried about parkinsons a lot, which might not be the case but I have seen cases in younger people, guess I just worry too much. I would like some advice, I really would like these tremors to go away, is there anything I can do to make them stop? I don't get to see my doctor until October 5th. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is not Parkinson's disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

I have gone through your clinical history and I can assure you that this is not Parkinson's disease.
The classical features of Parkinson's disease are-
1)Tremors are asymmetric in onset.You are having them in whole body,in a generalized manner.So,these symmetrical tremors are not of Parkinson's disease,but due to anxiety.
2)Rigidity and Slowness-Stiffness of limbs and slowness of activities.These features are not present in your case.

So,please don't worry about thinking that it is parkinson's what you are having.These are likely, anxiety tremors.

I suggest you to start doing regular mental relaxation exercises like meditation/yoga.It will ease off your anxiety levels and improve your tremors.

Further,dose of sertraline can be increased.It can go upto 200 mg per day.Alternatively,clonazepam can be started.
PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR PSYCHIATRIST ABOUT DOSE MODIFICATIONS.

If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Ajay Panwar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1827 Questions

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Are Body Tremors While On Sertraline Indicative Of Parkinson's Disease?

Brief Answer: This is not Parkinson's disease. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com. I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query. I have gone through your clinical history and I can assure you that this is not Parkinson's disease. The classical features of Parkinson's disease are- 1)Tremors are asymmetric in onset.You are having them in whole body,in a generalized manner.So,these symmetrical tremors are not of Parkinson's disease,but due to anxiety. 2)Rigidity and Slowness-Stiffness of limbs and slowness of activities.These features are not present in your case. So,please don't worry about thinking that it is parkinson's what you are having.These are likely, anxiety tremors. I suggest you to start doing regular mental relaxation exercises like meditation/yoga.It will ease off your anxiety levels and improve your tremors. Further,dose of sertraline can be increased.It can go upto 200 mg per day.Alternatively,clonazepam can be started. PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR PSYCHIATRIST ABOUT DOSE MODIFICATIONS. If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up. Regards Dr.Ajay Panwar, MD,DM(Neurology)