Meraviglioso

I am really having a hard time with hand tremors. I have been clean long enough that they surely aren't alcohol related. I think they are due to the mood stabiliser I am taking (depakin chrono).
I am going to try taking pure magnesium in hot water to see if that helps but was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions to deal with this? I will ask my psychiatrist about it on Wednesday as well.

Soberwolf

i used to suffer bad with hand tremors trying to stay calm was my best option I had no idea why it was happening but I put it down to stress and nerves etc

have you tried some breathing exercises to help ?

Camery03

My doctor suggested taking magnesium. It worked for me!

Dee74

None of us can really know what your hand tremors are about tho Mera - I'm glad you're seeing your Dr/Therapist

D

ScottFromWI

I would also recommend asking your doc before taking anything else mera, especially if you think it's associated with one of your meds. Even natural supplements can have negative effects if mixed with the wrong drug.

Meraviglioso

Thanks all, I knew seeing a doctor for medical advice was the first line of action, but maybe someone has had success dealing with this in other ways- a certain massage? Wraps? Holding my hands over my head for 20 minutes?

Scott, of course.

Winslow

I've read about essential tremors,I guess its a genetic thing,nothing to do with alcoholism,could be that or like you said a side effect of meds,I know Zoloft can cause hand tremors that's one of the many reasons I quit taking it,best to see the doc😊

Hawkeye13

I had hand tremors while briefly taking Lexepro or something like it.
I stopped taking it in part because of that.

My tremors from drinking went away fairly quickly, but sometimes cropped
up briefly for a few months after quitting so it could be that as well.

Maybe give it a little more time to see if it clears up before adjusting meds?
What does the doctor say?

entropy1964

I will have trouble with my left hand when doing yoga for at least 2 weeks, sometimes a month, after getting sober. It only shakes when I'm really exerting myself but its embarrassing because I can't hold it out or up straight without it freaking out. I'm not on any meds (only a sleep aid at night) so I have just attributed it to electrolyte imbalances and hypoglycemia. It always resolves after 30 days or so. Irritating for sure.

I take magnesium...it does help. B vits too. But I know you know this stuff

August252015

This was me, too. I am at day 98 and the last time I had any, just for a bit one day, was about a month ago. For some reason, I felt better and they tapered if I drank a lot of water. Perhaps potassium intake can be upped, too? This is something my dr recommended as helpful for it as well as other various lingering drinking effects.

Curious to hear what your dr says!

Ariesagain

I have essential tremor that is genetic...it's usually no big deal but it does get worse when I'm tired. It didn't really show up until I was in my early 50s, though...

Are you getting enough protein, especially early in the day? Hypoglycemia can give you the shakes. Also cutting way back on caffeine may help...also nicotine, if you're still smoking?

It's annoying, I know...

Andante

Shaky hands were part of my drinking legacy and gradually got better with more sober time -- but for me, it took a LOT of sober time. At 3-1/4 years, I still have traces of the shakiness.

Wraps or massages or holding your hands over your head aren't likely to help -- the problem originates in the brain, not the hands themselves.

As long as you stay sober, the shakiness should continue to ebb gradually over time, unless there is a factor at work other than the long-term effects of alcohol. Your doctor should be able to tell you more.

I'm afraid I never found anything that helped the "baseline" shakes, although the suggestions to lower stress, avoid caffeine and other stimulants, and monitor blood sugar are all good.

wpainterw

Mera:
Yes. The best thing is to see the doc. Make sure they have a complete list of meds, the dosage and when you take them. Other than that, try a hot bath. Maybe a work out with a rowing machine. Exercise hands. Squeeze things. If it's people make sure you squeeze the right people.

Bill.

Meraviglioso

Bill! You made me laugh!

Dee74

My point is there are many reasons for shaking hands - until you identify the cause, what someone else did may not be useful info?


D

wpainterw

Yes, laughing makes you shake all over. Go to the beach. Start laughing and shaking and see what happens!

Bill.

Meraviglioso

Just a quick update. I saw my psychiatrist yesterday and he noticed my hand tremors. He said it was the depakin chrono, a common side effect. He said magnesium should help lighten it some. It is annoying but I'll deal with it.
Thanks everyone for the input!

MaidenNZ

Tip for shaking hands: Stop drinking lol

Soberwolf

Good stuff Mera

sugarbear1

Sometimes it is just not drinking in the first year or more of recovery.