I would like to know if tremors can be caused by stopping the sleeping pill, or if they are more symptoms of early Parkinson's.

Question

I sometimes have uncontrollable tremors in my right hand. I have been taking anti-depressants (Sertraline) and sleeping pills (zopiclone) for the past 3 months. I have also been treated for epilepsy (divalproex) for 30 years, and I have been taking atenolol for 20 years. I have read that Parkinson's can cause depression (2 in the past 5 years) and anxiety (in the past year I have been feeling more anxious.

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Sir, Actually, Parkinson's disease can be linked to episodes of depression. This is because the neurotransmitter involved in both diseases is partly the same (dopamine). With regard to your tremors, be aware that they can occur due to withdrawal from your medications, yes. That said, it is best to consult your doctor at this time so that we can do a thorough examination to make sure that the medication is indeed the cause. Since these tremors can happen at any time, I recommend that you videotape your hand when it shakes to show your doctor at your next appointment. It will really help him/her. Good Sunday, Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist