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Tremor from other causes

Also called: Tremor, shaky hands, tremor from medicines, enhanced physiologic tremor

Shaking that comes from causes other than essential tremor or Parkinson's, such as caffeine, anxiety, low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, alcohol withdrawal, or medicines.

Common triggersCaffeine, stress, medicines, thyroid
CheckThyroid and medicine list

Overview

Asthma inhalers, some antidepressants, and lithium can cause tremor.

Tremor from these causes usually affects both hands and is worse when holding a position.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Shaky hands

Less common

  • Sweating
  • Racing heart
  • Anxiety

Look up a symptom: Shaking or tremor

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, or vision loss: call 911. Or confusion and shaking after stopping alcohol.
Get care todayNew tremor after a new medicine.
See a doctor soonTremor that lasts.

Causes

Caffeine, medicines, thyroid, alcohol withdrawal.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician looks for causes.

Questions you may be asked

  • Caffeine, alcohol, medicines

The exam

Nerve exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Thyroid and sugar tests:

Treatment

Remove triggers.

Self-care

  • Cut caffeine
  • Manage stress
  • Get enough sleep

Prevention

To lower tremor:

  • Limit caffeine

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Older adults: Medicines are a common cause.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Often goes away when the cause is treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Could my medicine cause this?
  • Should my thyroid be checked?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tremor from other causes

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.