Essential Tremor

Other Medications

Some open-label trials have indicated that clozapine (Clozaril®), a dibenzodiazepine-derivative antipsychotic agent, may be effective in some patients with ET. However, there is a persistent, substantial risk of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine therapy. Therefore, performing a baseline white blood cell (WBC) count is necessary prior to initiation of such therapy. If the WBC count is less than 3500/mm³, therapy should not be instituted. In addition, it is typically advised that regular WBC counts be performed weekly for the duration of therapy and for 4 weeks following therapy discontinuation. Other medications that have been used with limited success in ET include low-dose amantadine (Symmetrel®), clonidine (Catapres®), trazodone (Desyrel®), thymoxamine, and linoleic acid.