Olanzapine versus propranolol in essential tremor.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we evaluated the anti-tremor effect of olanzapine in patients with essential tremor (ET).


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients with ET affecting upper limbs underwent a randomized, crossover study with olanzapine (20 mg/day) and propranolol (120 mg/day). Evaluation (baseline and 1 month after each drug) was done by using the tremor clinical rating scale and a self-reported disability scale.


RESULTS
We did not find statistical difference in all tremor parameters before treatment in two groups. Both drugs improved essential tremor parameters. However, olanzapine significantly improved all tremor parameters except hygiene as compared to propronalol.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that olanzapine might be efficacious for essential tremor. Further clinical trials are indicated to establish the efficacy of olanzapine in patients with ET.
Yetimalar
Yeşim
Y
Department of Neurology, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Izmir, Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey. yetimalar@hotmail.com
Irtman
Gülümser
G
Kurt
Tülay
T
Başoğlu
Mustafa
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D020329:Essential Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011433:Propranolol; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors