Can anxiety cause hand tremors?

[littleomelette]

I am a 25 year old female.  This past six weeks I have noticed that I have developed hand tremors.

I have been through an extremely stressful period since summer, but those situations have calmed down now, and my tremors have come on since the stress eased off.

I am reasonably healthy and cannot see a reason for this to start happening.  Is it possible that the stress and anxiety that I have been through could have manifested itself in my hands (and what feels like my arms)and make them shake?  I feel like I am picking things up and moving them about as if I was extremely nervous.  I also feel like I can feel the blood pumping through my upper body as my heart beats and I am constantly tired.  I haven't had to stop doing anything.  I have full feeling and can type/write etc perfectly fine.

I am driving myself crazy noticing every little abnormal movement and twitch.  I saw a doctor and she said it was like my mind was that tired/fatigued that my body has decided to do something about it.  Could this be true?  And will my symptoms ever go away?  At the moment it seems like I will be living with them forever.  I just want to be normal again and stop shaking.  Please help.  Any advice would be gratefully recieved.

[littleomelette]

Sorry, also thought I should mention that my arms get really tired when I am lifting things, even a cup of tea.  I feel like I need to put whatever it is I'm holding down after 30 seconds.  Thanks.

[littleomelette]

Thank you for replying.  

I don't do any drugs, and haven't had a loss of appetite.  I have been through quite a stressful period since June.  I just want to know if it is possible for anxiety and stress to manifest itself phsically in this way?

I am seeing a chiropractor too at the moment who seems to think that I have deep muscle fatigue which (she believes) is also contributing to the shaking from my neck and shoulders right through to my arms and hands.

I am also in the process of buying my first house, so I have a feeling that may also be contributing hugely.  I am for the time being cutting right back on caffine too!

It's good to know that other people have been through such times and can share any advice.  Thanks for listening :-)

[Lightwise]

Hi, the list of how anxiety can manifest physically is huge. There are lists online that mention shakiness and tremors as possibilities of manifestations. I myself have dealt with many symptoms and am still trying to rule out physical causes. The tendency you'll notice by reading this message board, is to automatically feel there must be a physical root cause to physical symptoms. I spoke to a psychiatrist friend recently who told me he has "seen it all" when it comes to anxiety symptoms. Good luck and GOD bless you and I hope you get better and are able to enjoy life. I mean that sincerely.

[tanns]

I have had this shaky, vibrating(visually), fluttering thing that is happening in my chest.  All but one of the times it has happened, my right hand has twitched too.  I haven't seen the neuro yet but surely I'll be there soon.  

Anxiety(if that is what this all is!!!) is the PITS!!!

Good luck to you.

[littleomelette]

Thank you all for your kind words.

I think we all react to anxiety at some time, it's just a bummer when it affects our lives.

I wish you all good luck and a happy healthy life :-)

[bird33]

Yes - absolutely. I was at my worst about a year ago thinking I had the worst disease ever. I remember holding my hands out and watching them shake. I would continually show this to my wife - I almost made her crazy! I vividly remember one day I was doing yard work with a weed whacker and holding it in my right hand for a long time. When I finished I got a drink of water. My hand was shaking so bad that the water was spiling out of the cup. To make a long story short I have overcome my anxiety and no longer shake or twitch (had those too). The key is to ignore these signals and they will slowly subside. Easier said than done but you will find your way!

[littleomelette]

That is so true.  After speaking to quite a few people, and stopping diagnosing myself on the internet, my symptoms seem to be SLOWLY subsiding.  Hopefully I will feel NORMAL again soon.  Good luck to you x

[suzi-q]

How did you overcome your anxiety?  suggestions please!

[littleomelette]

I think it is really difficult to accept that anxiety is all you have.  

I have tried doing small things, like when I'm feeling stressed out, I close my eyes and count to ten slowly to try and clear my head and slow my breathing down. These seem to be starting to work for me.  I am trying to think positive and believe that I can overcome this, and since I have been thinking positive, my symptoms have calmed down.  I have also tried to cut out as much caffine as I can, so little tea/coffee/fizzy drinks and chocolate (bummer).

I do think it takes time, but I do believe you will be able to work through it.  It seems like you are the only person going through it at the time, and by telling friends and family, they can help keep your mood up and support you.  I really think it's hard do it on your own.  Try to find a good friend to lean on.

Good luck to you, and Merry Christmas :-)

[SWJavelina]

Put me down on the list of people who have hand tremors due to anxiety.  I'm a teacher, and I remember one of my students even commenting on my shaky hands.  :-/

SWJ

[lax11]

i also went through some serious trauma over the summer.  after the events i started to have panic attacks.  i have learned to control these to a certain point because i understand them now.  i have developed anxiety since these attacks and worry about my health constantly.  my hands have started shaking just like littleomellete mentioned and i notice my heartbeat and the blood pumping through my upper body.  i worry that i have a terrible disease due to the shaking.  i never shake when i m laying down or sleeping though.  i thought i was the only one going through this.  did anyone here see a psychologist/therapist for these problems or take any medications.  i m a 23 year old male who just finished playing four years of college lacrosse and would like to steer clear of taking anything.  my physical health is perfect and i m in great shape.  please post back..

matt

[cuddles1121]

I am going through the same thing, I have panic and anxiety disorder, and just the past 2 months I have noticed the shaky hands, I went to the dr, and she ran all kinds of blood tests, and to the chiropractor, and now they are going to send me to a neurologist, meanwhile my doctor still thinks it is my anxiety acting up. I was good for a long time, no all of a sudden my hands are shaky. She put me on clonezpam when I get really shaky and this seems to work, but I want to be able to learn how to deal with it, not constantly be drugged up. Any suggestions or websites would be helpful.

[lavenderlady4556]

I have been noticing that my hands shake too. This has caused me to over react. I keep thinking its hypoglycemia (even though I had test done in april and may for it and my sugar was fine... And Im eating better than I EVER have!) But isnt that how this works? You latch onto that one fear and it keeps building on it. Anyways, I keep telling myself that its just the anxiety and that helps! I know its just the body being on high alert for so long that its getting tired.

[braine]

i'm a nursing student.. my hands trembles whenever i am pressured and nervous .. how can i overcome this,, especially that we are going to have our clinical duty next month..i am worried...

your advices would be a great help..thanks..

[Thaddeus]

I'm so glad that I found this site. As I was reading through the posts I could relate to almost all of them. I get shaky hands and find myself over analysing my self. I also get heart palpatations some chest pain and tingling in my hands and feet. ( I've had a blood test for a heart attack and I can definitely rule that out :P )
And yes, just a small distracting thought sometimes snowballs and starts to get you feeling all anxious again.

I'm also off the caffeine. I've had it for about a month now and am learning to live with it but am hopeful that it will go away some time soon.

And yes, the more you speak about it to friends and family the better you feel about it.

Hope this helps somebody feel a little better :)

[findsomething]

I understand completely. I have been on numerous meds and they try to give my xanax too, but I wont take it because my family history of drug abuse. I get so overwhelmed sometimes and it seems like when I am in a calm state, all the tics and palpitations start. I will be holding a cup of coffee and suddenly my hand or arm will jerk or seem to just stop working and I end up wearing the coffee. Its a strange thing to feel like your not in control of your own body. I like to think its almost the equivalent of your muscles being drained after an intense workout. When you are all wound up, your muscles feel it to and when the calm comes on, they are just trying to calm too. Good Luck to you and you will be ok.

[Summer123]

Hi,
I've got bad hand shaking.  I wasn't quite sure whether it is from the anxiety or because I was taking paxil too.  I guess I seemed to have noticed it while on the paxil, but I think it may just be due to overall anxiety.  I can really relate to spilling a lot of coffee.

[waylander]

hey waylander here.i am go to type something out of a book that i have for ya! Sweating,Trembling hands

now look at yor hands. they sweat? maybe tremble?maybe the skin is sore and tingles and tingles with "pins and needles"? but the hands of any tense,frightened person may feel like that,and you are certainly frightened,so how could your hands behave otherwise?the sweating,trembling, "pin and needles"and soreness are no more than the physical expression of oversensitization of your adrenalin releasing nerves through anxiety and fear.these sensations get no worse than this and could never prevent you using your hands.maybe your hands do sweat and tremble, but they are still good hands to use.Therefore,accept the sweating,trembling,soreness and tingling for the time being..these cannot be cured overnight.with acceptance, although your hands may still tremble and sweat for a while,you will find some peace,enough to begin to still the outflow of adrenalin,so that your sweat glands will gradually calm down.in place of fear adrenalin sweat,you put acceptance,less adrenalin-less sweat; and finally you have peace-no excess adrenalin-no excess sweat.it is as simple as that although acceptance may not seem so simple at first........from SELF HELP FOR YOUR NERVES by Dr Claire Weekes..

[Stosh]

I have the shaking hands/arms and sense of muscle fatigue expressed by littleomellette and a few others.  A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a familial tremor. This conclusion was partially drawn from the fact that my father had the same problem as well, although his developed much later in life (his in his 60s, mine in my 30s).  A neurologist said that It is not uncommon for it to begin earlier in age as it is passed on through the generations.  Fortunately,  a Familial Tremor (also check out Essential Tremors) tends to not have serious complications.  It is not a precursor of Parkinson's Disease, which was my greatest worry.   Whether a tremor is physical or psychological, anxiety, fatigue, tiredness, hunger, and stress can all exacerbate this condition, so it's easy to get caught up in a frustrating cycle of worry and shaking.  Stress reduction, getting enough sleep, and eating regularly seems to help.  I have also tried clonezapam, which helped but made me sleepy.

I guess I just wanted to point out that tremors can have a physical basis too.  You don't have to have a psychological issue if you experience these symptoms, but regardless of the cause, stress reduction seems key to helping ones condition.

[On_edge]

I have also gone through a tremendous amount of stress within the past 7 months.  I have found that my body cannot relax.  My muscles are tense, my shoulders rise to my ear lobes, I fall asleep sitting up because my body is worn out and when I wake to go to bed, I cannot sleep.  My mind races.  I have had anxiety disorder in the past and got through it for 15 years and now it is back.  I am like all of you who fear the worst possible scenario.  The difference this time is not the hands shaking, but my head and then sometimes jerking motions that happen with my head.  I am so self conscience about this I don't want to be in public.  I hope someone out there can tell me they have also gone through the head shaking and they were told it was anxiety manifesting itself in this way.  I would SO APPRECIATE someone posting to this.

[skalamanga]

yes..anxiety can cause hand tremors. iv been on zoloft for 2 months and i still get hand tremors when im in a fearful situation.

[barfer]

I hope you read the post  from Stosh just before yours on this question.  An Essential tremor can effect hands, legs, voice, head, just about every part of the body.  It is more of an annoyance than anything, you will not die from it.  What I do want to add, is that mine became VERY pronounced when on Paxil and the neurologist immediately took me off it and on to something else.  He was definitely not a fan of SSRIs because of the tremor it can create even in people who are not predisposed to it.  Talk with your doctor about what you have experienced and then you can go from there as to what would be the best treatment.  There are beta blockers that are used for essential tremor and also are supposed to help with anxiety as an added bonus.  Unfortunately they don't work for me but they have been very successful for most people.  Next week, I'm trying clonazapam to address the anxiety and hopefully, the tremor will improve if for no other reason than I'm less anxious.  Good luck and I hope I've been of some help.    

[dixiedarlin1017]

I can relate to all that you said. I have had a bad problem with the tremors as well and my head jerks backwards sometimes.  It is very annoying and aggrivating. My neurologist told me that I had the first stage (onset) of parkinsons. That really got my attention. I have to take Primidone for it and it does help some, but  not enough. Just like today, I have had trouble just holding a cup of tea. The dexterity in my hands just gives  out. Typing this is killing me as well. Its llike the messages from my brain just doesnt reach my hands and arms. I do have alot of muscle weakness and innability to do normal things. My speach slurs for no reason and my walking gait changes. I  pull to the right and dont even realize it till im almost dizzy.Its very embarrassing and I sure wish that there was a cure or atleast an answer for the tremors. I have had reoccuring bouts of pneumonia and everytime I get sick like that ,, omg those tremmors get soo much worse. I was in the hospital last week and saw another neurologist, He said that he didnt think it was parkinsons (oh what a relief), but didnt know what was causing all the shaking and jerking.I am researching it and if i find an answer, I will post it on here.
Good talking to you all,
Donna

[barfer]

Look up Essential Tremor.  Primidone is often used for that.  See if your syptoms (symptoms) match the profile for essential tremor.

[Summer123]

I have hand tremors too.  They were much more pronounced on paxil.  They are still present off the paxil, although not as bad.  I am still on xanex.  I don't know if they would go away if I were off the xanex.  I know that when I am on a sufficient dose of xanex they virtually disappear, but don't know if the tremor that exists off the xanex is caused by the anxiety rebound of the xanex or just the anxiety itself.

[On_edge]

Thank you for your responses regarding my post.  I have been on paxil and xanax when I was first diagnosed with anxiety attacks and that form of therapy seemed to help considerably.  I too noticed the hand tremors with Paxil.  When I was taken off Paxil the hand tremors stopped.  In addition to the head shaking, which seems to be more pronounced the more I am aware of it, I have the sensation of falling while awake, similar to when you are just about to fall asleep and have the sensation of falling and your body jerks.  I have had this happen twice.  Each time I will be doing something, feeling somewhat relaxed, and it will hit me out of the blue.  The flight response kicks in and is quickly followed by panic and anxiety.

Does anyone know the effects of lower hormone levels of those with anxiety attacks?  Do lower hormone levels increase anxiety symptoms?

[jimmy1980]

I have hand tremors too.  It's really bad.  I often have to use tricks to pick up a beverage.  I brace my elbow against my body, pick up the glass palm down, etc.  I also drink lots of alcohol to help me relax - not good, since a parent is an alocholic.  My problems started long before I took any drugs.  I take Paxil and Inderal.  Xanax helps a little, but puts me to sleep and I don't like its addictive qualities (yes, I know alcohol is addictive, but it feels so much more effective).

I am miserable with this problem.  Why can't there be a real anti-anxiety drug and not just an addictive sedative like Xanax?  :-(

Best wishes to all.  Keep posting.

[barfer]

My neurologist really doesn't like Paxil because of the tremor side effect.  He said to me, "I don't know why these GPs keep prescribing it when it creates tremors.  There are so many other drugs that work just as well that don't create this side effect."  I know everyone is different but this is a VERY common problem with Paxil.  I had a tremor before starting it too, but on Paxil, well it was ridiculous.  I still have a tremor and I've been off Paxil for many years but it it nothing compared to what I had on it.  About alcohol, one drink can help settle a tremor and that is why some people with essential tremor tend to drink too much because they think that if one drink helps then more will help even better....WRONG!  All that leads to is more problems and it definitely won't help the tremor.    

[On_edge]

Because of the tremors or shaking, I know what you mean about incorporating tricks to limit them.  I also have parents that are alcoholics.  

Talk to your doctor.  Before you go in to see him or her, write down everything you want to talk about.  Don't just go down the list, talk about the items you have on the list.  Give your doctor a good foundation on what you are going through so he can best help you.  It may take a few visits and different medications to find something that will work, but don't give up.  If you feel like your doctor is not listening and does not seem interested in sincerely helping you, find another doctor.  Once you start your medication, keep your thoughts positive about getting better.  Follow the directions for your medication to the letter.

You are right, this is miserable, but it is possible to fix it.  Don't give up.

[silvergrin]

I am a 25yr old male and have had major hand and body tremors for around 6 days. In that time I have been to A&E 3 times and two different G.Ps (because I was on holiday!)

I believe that I am slightly agoraphobic (sp?!) and suffer from OCD.

It all started last Sunday when I dropped the mother-in-law off at the supermarket and then had to drive off and turn around. As I was in a town that I did not know I ended up getting lost and nearly drove the wrong way down a one way street. Becuase of this I "lost control" - I gripped the steering wheel and nearly crushed it; pushed my feet into the floor of the car and burst into tears! For the rest of the day I was in the back of the car and just constantly playing with my hands - they simply would not stop moving.

The next day when I was in a popular town in the Lake District my neck spasms (along with the hand tremors) started and lasted for around 5-7 hours until I went to the local A&E and I was given 5mg of diazepam (sp) which seemed to calm my neck down but not stop my hand and face tremors. Because the neck spasms stopped I thought I would then be fine and a nice night sleep would do the trick.

WRONG!

Since then I have been suffering from all kind of involuntary body tremors ranging from my mouth and neck making weird faces; my neck arching back in some form of spasm and my hands and legs just not stopping.

The only drug that seemed to have done any help whatsoever is Lorazepam. When I was in A&E yesterday (after seeing my new GP who was great) I was rushed in straight to a cubicle as the receptionist thought I was having an epileptic seizure! Lorazepam was injected (into my backside) and about 15-20 minutes later I had stopped completely. The tremors did come back but very mildly approx 2 hours afterwards.

I woke up again today and hey presto when I leave the house and am being driven to my dads they all start again so by the time I get to my dads I am all over the place! I have just been down to the out of hours doctor at the local A&E and he has now given me Lorazepam in tablet form which have worked although making me very drowsy and most probably in need of another tablet when allowed in 31 minutes!

The thing that gets me is that every doctor so far has said, "it is anxiety; you are having some kind of over reaction to an anxious situation" HOW CAN THAT HELP IF I DON'T FEEL ANXIOUS AT ALL???!!!!

Well watch this space as I am seeing my GP on Tuesday who is going to talk to me about seeing a psychiatrist about the agoraphobia/OCD problems.

Thanks for listening and sorry about the essay!

[alwaysshaky]

wow! I have thought of searching "shaky hands" on the internet for a long time. Finally did and came upon your post. It stands out to me because I could have written it myself. I have tried anti-anxiety meds and the stronger things like xanex (which works like a charm, but fear I could become very addicted). Instead, I just have a couple drinks before going into any social situation that may require me to lift or grab a drink from a table or someone. Interesting is that my older brother suffers from the same thing, but we fail to talk about it openly (however obvious). I would love to finally "shake" this...pun intended!

also, to others...I have tried the therapy route....cognitive behavioral therapy and the like....it works kinda...for a little while....but this "issue: is dynamic and resilient....

[gma2]

For me, the shaking/trembling/weakness of the hands is the very first symptom of an anxiety attack coming on. It doesn't matter if I've eaten or not, or if I'm 'feeling stressed' or if I am 'going through something'. I could be watching TV. They come out of nowhere. I have become agoraphobic and have been for five years, now.

Like I said, this is MY experience. For everyone it it different.

This site might help:  http://www.embarassingproblems.co.uk/shakyhands.htm

I take my 'chill pills' (Ativan) and can settle down quickly if I catch it early. If the shaking starts and I can't catch it early, I go into a full-bore panic attack. I have become agoraphobic for five years now...a gradual to extreme thing.

With that said, do not go by me! I'm a mess! LOL

There is a host of topics on this site, so maybe look into that, too.
Kind regards. I wish you well.

[silvergrin]

going on from my above essay and visiting a&e twice more i can safely day that for me and my advice if any of you are offered haliperidol (in my case it was seranace) avoid them like the plague. The best thing i have found is diazepam..... even though they are supposed to be a drowsy drug i have found that they have made me ever so slightly "hyper"!

Haliperidol gave me chronic back and leg ache and a doctor i saw down a&e was very dismissive of them and told me to stop taking them - this after my tongue swelled up and got rushed down to hospital by a very concerned girlfriend.

Feel much better now but seem to think that my problems are more agoraphobic based coupled with anxiety so hopefully with a visit to a psychologist soon i'll be better!

All the best

Nick

[southerngirl00]

Like the others, I was so happy to find this site.  I get the "shakes" when I am anxious and also sometimes when I am not.  It is like, if I start to think about it or worry about shaking, then I do.  I guess I get anxious about getting anxious.  I have never really had steady hands.  I remember being in 1st grade and a little boy making fun of me and calling me "Shakey" as I ate my lunch.  I have never received any medical/psychological help for this, but I am thinking about it.  I have a very supportive husband, but I just don't know if he will understand. So, it is good to hear from all of you.  If I find any remedy, I will sure let you all know!

[sunny017360]

I too have a problem with anxiety and the shaking of the hands.  It got so bad once that I couldn't even write my name on a piece of paper.  The signature actually looked like a kid practicing their handwritting in kindergarten.  That's when I knew it was time to make an appointment with the doctor where he put me on Paxil, which worked wonders for me in the beginning.  But after a couple of months it had just the opposite effect on me and my shaking became even worse and made my heart rate extremely high at a resting heart rate.  I was then put on a beta blocker medicine for a couple of months and that seemed to really help, but decided that I should try other methods in trying to help my anxiety by excercising and eating better.  I am no longer on the beta blocker or any meds and excercising and eating better is really working out for me.  Cut caffeine out a lot and don't drink much alcohol, as I find these two things often made it worse.  Best of luck to all who suffer from this and hope these two methods will work for you as well!

[tired319]

I developed severe tremors after I had my pacemaker installed. when I was on paxil it became pretty bad, now I am on Klonopin and Prozac but I still have them especially when I want to do some  work. even when i move my hands to communicate I start shaking. This is very bizzare but the drs. blame it on anxiety and post traumatic stress. I don't believe them but I have to stay on meds for a bit longer and see what the results will be. I am 60 and I never felt this way for that long of a period of time.

[ashley365]

I have always been a worrier, but never really had the shakes.  My anxieties got really bad this last winter.  I cut caffeine out cold turkey and sunk into a deep depression (which is a rare side effect of cutting caffeine).  I felt like my life was spinning out of control.  I was paranoid and constantly running to the bathroom.  I went to my doctor and they prescribed Lexapro.  My anxieties got so much better.  I don't have those compulsive thoughts anymore.  The depression went away, thank goodness.  But ever since that "breakdown" I have had hand shakiness.  I found that it came on in relation to my "breakdown" and not to the meds.  It is almost like my body went through this extreme episode and now my nerves are tired or shot.  I don't know if it will ever go away, but I am so happy not to be excessively worrying.  I can be a happy Mommy now.  That is what is most important.  

[Hopeful1969]

I had a cancer scare over the summer and I had to wait quite a while for tests. I am 39 and a mother of two.

Over this period I obviously became very anxious and relied heavily on friends and family constantly reassuring me and talking positive. I cried a lot and became irritable and miserable. I felt I couldn't think about anything else - it was always in the back of my mind.

I have now had most of the tests and everything seems to be ok :-)

At first I felt hugely relieved and on a 'high'. However after a couple of days I woke up with a trembling in my hands, arms and shoulders. It hasn't gone away, although it has subsided a little over a number of days. It seems like an 'after effect' from all the stress.

Like Lax11 at times I also have a pounding feeling in my chest, like the blood pumping. I also feel anxious and tearful, and worry about every little symptom. I'm sure things will improve as time goes on and I calm down a bit - but I just wanted to reassure people experiencing this sort of thing that they aren't alone!

[overylyanxious]

Wow... I just went through the same thing...

had my appendix out... had a cancer scare and was forced to look at my life and think how it may be changed forever... got the results back and things are fine..

went through three weeks of hell.. basically feel now like I had an "out of body" experience with all of the panic, stress and anxiety..

now hands shake... or I am always tapping or having to move around...  I too am worried about EVERY little symptom.. thinking that this is all part of something larger...

I am hoping that when I can workout again, it will help them go away...  and yes... its good to know that we are not alone..

best of luck to all.. we can do this!!

[all_day_everyday]

yes i shake terribly when i get anxious. i started noticing after some health scares. mild cases, my left arm/hand shakes, feels tingly,,
then sometimes my neck portion too, and serious ones, my left, neck and right arms feels tingly,, very surreal feeling, but i know its all emotional, as they only manifest when i panic.

it lasts for about 5 minutes and then its okay. hope this helps, it think its perfectly normal. or so i hope!

[laralee279]

lara i lost my partner last year and my hands started to shake twiches and jerks i lost him through hospitsl negligence and fighting the hospital i can feel for all ove u its a right bummer go in somewhere for a coffee and to eat and thourally embarressed i have all blood tests but fine i did have panic attacks but they sem to have gone its just tremours in the hand and arm twiches any where it has helped me finding this site thanx its helped me alot lara

[littleolelady]

I just found this site tonight after a frightening episode. Saturday afternoon, beautiful day in late September, and I'm driving around town, doing what I like best -- shopping! All of a sudden my right hand starts shaking, then it moves up throughout my right arm, then my neck and then my foot and leg shake so much I can't keep a steady foot on the gas pedal. I drove to my doctor's office. I was shaking so much it was hard to walk and I couldn't sign my name. Two nurses asked me if I was having chills, as my mouth and chin were shaking too. I couldn't see my regular doc, but a colleague of his was rather nonchalant and said I was having an anxiety attack and prescribed Ativan.

I've had panic attacks before but nothing like this. And I've been on Zoloft for 1 year now, mainly for depression. I've just taken one Ativan so far, and the shakes are better but not gone completely.

Should I seek further medical attention?

[angelbom]

Hi there.  I have had hand tremors for 8 years now, but it recently got worse and I went in to the DR where I was diagnosed w/ Anxiety.  Its from all the stress I have went through when I was younger, stress I am still going through, and stress that I know I will have in the future (which is nothing I can control or help).  I get very bad headaches too.  My heart skips beats and I have to gasp for breath which is the beginning of a panic attack.  I also get very emotional and want to cry sometimes.  So in all I have anxiety, headaches, depression, and light panic attacks.  Everyone handles anxiety in different ways I have heard, so yes searching for answers online may not be the answer.  Also, everyone reacts to medications differently so please don't try to diagnose yourself and ask your DR for a certian medication.  This can just make it worse.  Anyways, I'm on meds now until school is over then my DR said we will work through this.  Sad thing is I notice my shakiness happening more often along with being so tired from the medicine.  Well, take care everyone and good luck!

[BRUCE37]

Ok, I  gather thats its rather common for a person(myself included) to have hand and body shakes due to anxiety/stress. But what about when you get a painful spasm or twitch in you hand and it causes your thumb or finger to jerk!! Anyone else have this?

[joxxx]

hi, ive just come across this site, im only 20 years old & since the start of this year, started to get really anxious..palpitaitons (which i no longer get) but am left with shaky hands & my job includes making drinks for meetings which i can no longer do..is it true that drinking coffee can make it worse? i have an appointment in a months time to see a neurologist.

[dominic1965]

i am a 43 year young male,i recently was taken to the er for the same symptoms as everyone here,rapid heartbeat,hand shakes,sweating, i thought at first it was a heart attack..glad the doctors told me otherwise,but yet i have to deal with this anxiety,not to mention depression,i take buspar and ativan for my anxiety,and zoloft for my depression,they seem to work well together but it seems like i can't live without them..i'm very afraid to drive as i sometimes feel i'm going to pass out when i get my tremors/attacks..i think this has been the cause of years of alcohol abuse/stress in my life..good luck everyone.

[mincie99]

I liked your post. I was just doing yard work with long-handled shears, went to take some vitamins and my hand was shaking bad as I drank water. I confronted my wife with it. She told me it was muscle tension from yard work. I love that about her actually. Very non-alarmist.   IMHO all those anti-depressants are bad bad bad. They made two people in my family quite aggressive and they were given to an elderly relative of mine in one visit with a shrink w.o checking her thyroid (which was low) or her alcohol intake (which was high).

[Kat065]

I've had mild hand tremors for awhile and today is the first day I decided to research this online.  Can anyone recommend a natural remedy that has worked for them?  My tremors flare up when I'm in an uncomfortable social setting - uncomfortable b/c I'm attending alone, not fully comfortable with myself, worrying about stupid stuff, etc.  Plus thinking about it makes it worse!  I've gone on dates and not had anything to drink b/c I'm afraid I'll drop the glass - I don't have soup b/c of the shaky spoon, etc.  This only happens when I'm nervous/anxious in a social setting.  Anyone tried St. John's Wort, Kava Kava, Valarian, etc.?

[ILADVOCATE]

Well there are several issues going on here. The first are the tremors from anxiety. The second are temporary movement disorders such as akathesia that many anti-depressents can cause and are not of concern and can be treated with side effect pills. There are of course some movement disorders that are permanent but it depends on the medication (look up the medication website). And then people are describing a diagnosed essential tremor. And in some situations the tremor could have a variety of causes. If someone has tremors from anxiety attacks that start and end with the anxiety attacks that's known. If someone has movements that started with a medication and get better as it wears off during the day that's standard extra pyramidal side effects (temporary movement disorders). People are correct. Klonopin will help with that and anxiety. But if the movements are tic like or emerged suddenly and don't go away speak to your psychiatrist right away and they'll do a movement disorders test. And if someone has a diagnosed essential tremor that's a totally unrelated neurological disability. People know what they get from anxiety attacks but if it appears unrelated don't panic yourself but do speak to your psychiatrist about it and inform them when and how it started so they can better help you.

[Robbyjames]

I  am a 59 year old man and suffer from shaky hands too.
I believe its Panic Attacks that cause Anxiety, not the other way round. We need to understand what I mean by Panic Attack. In other words its a phobia. It doesnt matter what the trigger is, getting in a lift or an aeroplane. The moment you realise that you have to do it, the anxiety starts and a vicious circle begins. Mine is taking a cup from another person, my hand starts shaking the moment I realise its going to happen. However if I am not forwarned I can be fine. Writing is another problem for me, as soon as I have to write something either in front of someone or for someone important like writing a birthday card, my hands go out of control with Panic.
By the way, Stress and Anxiety are not the same thing. Stress can trigger lots of things, Panic is just one, but Panic causes lots of Anxiety. And yes it can be very embarrassing spilling tea all over peoples carpets. (Im very good at cleaning carpets now).
I have tried all the diets, but find high protein foods, with lots of veg and a little carb more stabilising. If you feel hungry it can start the Panic cycle. A little alcohol helps me, just half a pint and usually I can pick up the glass at the bottom and hold it in front of me no problem. But before hand, if they fill the glass too full my hand just jerks about as I lift the glass.
Still working on my problem, but have not resorted to drugs yet. I know I have to reduce stress. Easier said than done in present times.
Hope some of this makes sense. So good luck to you all. Rob.