Twitches, shakes and tremors are often symptoms of conditions or diseases such as Parkinson’s, but could also be side effects associated with certain medications. Below is a list of diseases and medical conditions associated with symptoms like shakes, ticks, twitches and tremors, as well as a list of medications related to similar side effects. We are not medical professionals, and these may not be comprehensive lists. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or side effects, or similar health issues.
Twitches, Shakes and Tremors Are Symptoms Of:
Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s Disease is a motor system disorder. It is caused by low dopamine levels that are the result of a loss of dopamine producing brain cells. It often starts out with a mild tremor or shakiness in one hand, but can progress to problems with speech, slowed movement throughout the body, balance problems, and eventually, dementia.
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. The protective sheath covering the nerves is attacked damaging the sheath and causing scar tissue to develop. The nerves themselves can be damaged. Damage to the sheath or the nerve interferes with the brains ability to communicate with the rest of the body. It can cause symptoms throughout the body, including vision problems, tremors, lack or coordination, tingling, pain, and fatigue.
Tardive Dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia causes twitches and involuntary movements primarily in the face, but sometimes in other parts of the body. The symptoms are often confused with Tourette’s syndrome. It is the result of the body’s inability to properly use and process dopamine, and almost always caused by certain types of medication including antidepressants and drugs used to treat digestive and gastrointestinal disorders such as metoclopramide (Reglan).
Hyperthyroidism: In hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. It can accelerate your metabolism causing tremors as well as other symptoms such as weight loss, nervousness, rapid heart beat, and a tendency to get hot easily.
Drugs Associated With Side Effects Like Tremors, Shakes, Ticks and Twitches:
Reglan: Metoclopramide sold under brand names Reglan, Octamide, and Maxolon, is used to treat heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis in people with diabetes. It works by stimulating the muscles in the stomach and intestines. It is also prescribed off-label to treat vascular headaches, persistent hiccups, and nausea or vomiting caused by other medications. Among the many possible side effects, metoclopramide can cause twitches, shakes, tremors, and is known to cause tardive dyskinesia (see above).
Prednisone: Prednisone is a steroid drug that reduces inflammation by decreasing immune system response. It is used in treating allergies, breathing disorders, lupus, arthritis, and other conditions.
Effexor: Effexor is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Paxil: Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin is used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to help with smoking cessation. Welbutrin belongs to a class of antidepressants called aminoketones.
Zoloft: Zoloft is another SSRI. It is used to treat depression, panic disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate: Dextroamphetamine Sulfate is a stimulant known to produce increased wakefulness and focus in association with decreased fatigue and decreased appetite.
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