Certain Medications
When the hands shake, it can be hard to do everyday tasks like pouring a cup of coffee or opening a doorknob. An individual might notice their hands trembling when they feel anxious or nervous. Sometimes, people may report that their hands shake all the time. This is called an essential tremor. While it’s not life-threatening, it can be quite debilitating. Essential tremor is often treated with medication, but some medications can cause shaky hands as a side effect.
Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat essential tremors, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. While they are effective at treating these conditions, they can also cause shaking hands as a side effect. Likewise, anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium can help to calm nerves and ease anxiety, but they can also cause shaking hands.
Corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, these drugs can also cause side effects such as weight gain, mood swings, and increased appetite. One of the less common side effects of corticosteroids is shaky hands. Individuals who notice their hands shaking after starting a new medication should talk to their doctor about changing doses or switching to a different drug altogether.
