Pilot trial of 1-octanol in essential tremor.
1-Octanol (an 8-C alcohol currently used as a food-flavoring agent) is known to inhibit tremor in essential tremor (ET) animal models at a much lower dose than ethyl alcohol. The authors conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial of a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg of 1-octanol in 12 patients with ET. No significant side effects or signs of intoxication were observed. 1-Octanol significantly decreased tremor amplitude for up to 90 minutes. The results suggest 1-octanol as a well-tolerated and safe potential treatment for ET. Further trials are warranted.
Bushara
K O
KO
Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. busha001@umn.edu
Goldstein
S R
SR
Grimes
G J
GJ
Burstein
A H
AH
Hallett
M
M
D020003:1-Octanol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological / Q000295:instrumentation; D020329:Essential Tremor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020003:1-Octanol