Effective treatment of orthostatic tremor with gabapentin

Mov Disord. 1998 Sep;13(5):829-31. doi: 10.1002/mds.870130513.

Abstract

We report seven patients with orthostatic tremor (OT) who were successfully treated with the anticonvulsant gabapentin. Five of the patients had been previously tried on clonazepam, the most commonly used drug for OT, four without any benefit. The degree of improvement perceived by the patients with gabapentin varied from 60-80% (mean 73%). The effective dose of gabapentin ranged from 300-1800 mg/day (mean 1030 mg/day). The side effects were generally mild, transient, and dose-related. Duration of response has so far ranged from 2-22 months (mean 11 months) with all patients still currently benefiting from gabapentin. We conclude that gabapentin may be an effective treatment for OT. Further trials are indicated.

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / administration & dosage*
  • Acetates / adverse effects
  • Aged
  • Amines*
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postural Balance / drug effects
  • Posture*
  • Tremor / drug therapy*
  • Weight-Bearing
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Amines
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin