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Can Lexapro Cause Hand Tremors?
Question: Can Lexapro cause hand tremors. My boyfriend has been taking this medication for years. I have been with him for 6 years. These last couple of years he has been under huge stress and have seen his hand shaking some what but more so as time goes on. His father passed away from Parkinsons (had it for 20 years). I am just concerned for him. Please advise.
Brief Answer:
Lexapro and Anxiety,both are common cause of tremors.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar, a neurologist, here to answer your query.
Dear friend,
Lexapro(escitalopram) or 'Anxiety' both are common causes of tremors and both appear to be applicable on your boyfriend.
If your boyfriend would have presented to me as my outpatient,I would have asked following questions before arriving on a conclusion-
1)Do the tremors increase when he is under stress?
2)What are the type of tremors-Rest tremors,kinetic tremors(tremors while hands are doing something) or postural tremors(tremors when hands are stable in a particular position for a few moments).
3)Are his tremors asymmetric(more in one hand) or symmetric(same in both hands)?
4)Does he have stiffness of limbs?
5)Is there any history of slowness in daily routine works?
6)Does he have head tremors also?
7)Is there a family history of tremors?
8)Finally,what is the age of your boyfriend(Is it 60? as you mentioned.)
Further plan-
Please do mental relaxation exercises/yoga/meditation to reduce the anxiety levels,reduce the work related stress and see if there is any change in pattern of tremors.If tremors persist as such,please consult your physician regarding stopping 'lexapro'.If after stopping the drugs even,the tremors persist,then please get a 'Thyroid function tests' done to rule out thyroid disorder as a cause of tremors.
I need to add as the worthful(regarding Parkinson's disease/Essential tremors) to this plan,upon receiving your details(as asked) in follow-up.
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD.DM(Neurology)
Lexapro and Anxiety,both are common cause of tremors.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar, a neurologist, here to answer your query.
Dear friend,
Lexapro(escitalopram) or 'Anxiety' both are common causes of tremors and both appear to be applicable on your boyfriend.
If your boyfriend would have presented to me as my outpatient,I would have asked following questions before arriving on a conclusion-
1)Do the tremors increase when he is under stress?
2)What are the type of tremors-Rest tremors,kinetic tremors(tremors while hands are doing something) or postural tremors(tremors when hands are stable in a particular position for a few moments).
3)Are his tremors asymmetric(more in one hand) or symmetric(same in both hands)?
4)Does he have stiffness of limbs?
5)Is there any history of slowness in daily routine works?
6)Does he have head tremors also?
7)Is there a family history of tremors?
8)Finally,what is the age of your boyfriend(Is it 60? as you mentioned.)
Further plan-
Please do mental relaxation exercises/yoga/meditation to reduce the anxiety levels,reduce the work related stress and see if there is any change in pattern of tremors.If tremors persist as such,please consult your physician regarding stopping 'lexapro'.If after stopping the drugs even,the tremors persist,then please get a 'Thyroid function tests' done to rule out thyroid disorder as a cause of tremors.
I need to add as the worthful(regarding Parkinson's disease/Essential tremors) to this plan,upon receiving your details(as asked) in follow-up.
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD.DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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