AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question The situations where I would want to control tremors would involve things like a tense one on one confrontation with someone, or a stressful job interview, etc. (my head will quiver slightly). So I'm not sure, would that be due to external factors or would it be considered general anxiety? Thanks once more!
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Followup To
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Dr. Galbraith,
Thanks, one more thing if you don't mind; I want to be well informed in case I see a Dr. about this. If someone were to take something on an as needed basis for what I described, tremors triggered by anxiety (maybe a couple times a month), in your opinion would Valium be a better choice than Propranolol (Inderal)? Thanks again, I do appreciate it.
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Thanks. I have a mild case of 'essential tremors' that are triggered by anxiety. I've read that both of these drugs can be used on an 'as needed basis' for this. Do you know which one is more likely to be prescribed if used in this way?
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Since Xanax and Valium are both in the benzodiazepine class and are both tranquilizers, what is the noticeable difference between them as far as the effect they have? Or is there no noticeable difference? Thanks
Answer -
Dear J
There is quite a bit of difference in these two benzos, xanax is a much more potent one causing more sedation than Valium. Xanax is also more prone to produce dependency. However, Valium is a better muscle relaxant.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
Answer -
Dear J
I would say that Valium may be the better drug for you because of what I have previously said. However, if you only use them as when needed and Valium does not work well, then try the Xanax. It is very often a case of trial and error to see which is best.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
Answer -
Dear J
Do not worry about your questions. I am only trying to help and really do not mind doing so.
Propranolol is very good add reducing tremors etc if they are due to a stressful situation brought on by external factors. eg they help rifle shooters steady their hands brought on by the thought of competition (even though they are illegal in major competitions). However, if it is a generalised anxiety, which I think will be the case with you (I could be wrong of course), a benzo would probably be of more benefit. Propranolol does not effect the brain as such whereas benzos do. I hope you understand this as I am trying to simplify things so you do.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
Answer Dear J
With this information it now sounds like propranolol will do. Your tremor as now described is like the stage-fright type and many actors use propranolol for this use. Unlike the benzos it is not habit forming and at the low dose needed for this use does not usually cause any problems. This is especially true when used as required.
Regards
Alan Galbraith
There should be a chat enabled way iof dealingg with ongoing sessions rather than this picemeal method
