The new guideline stems from an expert panel review of 211 articles. The drugs propranolol, long-acting propranolol, and primidone were all found to significantly reduce limb tremors and are strongly recommended in the guideline.

"Though the tremors do not completely disappear with [drug] treatment, they can be managed, making a huge difference in the daily lives of people with essential tremor," guideline author Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz, an associate professor of neurology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, said in a prepared statement.

The new advisory was released online Wednesday in the journal Neurology and will appear in the June 28 print issue of the journal.

Affects the Hands, Head and Voice

Essential tremor, which affects the hands, head and voice, is three times more common than Parkinson's disease. The condition can cause uncontrollable shaking and interfere with normal daily activities, such as getting dressed, eating and drinking.

Tremors can begin in early adulthood and become more severe as a person grows older.

The new guideline stems from an expert panel review of 211 articles. The drugs propranolol, long-acting propranolol, and primidone were all found to significantly reduce limb tremors and are strongly recommended in the guideline.

Surgery May Be an Option

Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure and primidone is an anti-seizure medication. They may be used alone for limb tremors or in combination if necessary, according to the guideline. Propranolol can also be used for head tremors.

Other drugs that can be used for limb tremors include the blood pressure drugs sotalol or atenolol and the anti-seizure drugs gabapentin and topiramate.

If drug treatment is ineffective for limb tremor, surgery may be an option, the experts add.

More information: We Move has more about essential tremor.