Which antidepressants do not cause tremors? (3 drugs)

In this article, we will be looking into antidepressant drugs that do not cause tremors. Additionally, we will be going through the common antidepressant drug classes that do not commonly cause tremors and trembling sensations.

Which antidepressants do not cause tremors?

The antidepressant drugs associated with lower risks of causing tremors include (2):

• Bupropion
• Mirtazapine
• Vortioxetine
• Sertraline

Bupropion (Common brand name: Wellbutrin)

Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft.

It is an equally effective antidepressant but does not cause common antidepressant side effects such as weight gain, tremors, sexual dysfunction, and sedation (3).

Bupropion is very rarely associated with causing tremors or trembling shaky movements in patients. However, some patients still feel these symptoms after taking this drug based on their response to the drug.

Generally, this drug is regarded as causing fewer movement symptoms as compared to other antidepressant drugs, therefore, it is relatively safer for patients who are prone to tremors and are affected by taking antidepressant therapy (3).

Sertraline (Common brand name: Zoloft )

Sertraline is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by selectively inhibiting the uptake of a specific chemical called serotonin in the brain which affects mood and behavior. Due to its mechanism of action, it is a highly effective psychiatric drug (4).

Zoloft is generally well-tolerated with movement-related side effects associated with the use of antidepressants. Usually, antidepressant medications generally cause tremors as a common side effect but sertraline causes tremors to a lower extent and is relatively safe.

However, discontinuation or abrupt removal of the drug can cause adverse effects. Continuous monitoring is required in patients taking other serotonergic medications along with Zoloft (4).

Mirtazapine (Common brand name: Remeron)

Mirtazapine is another drug that belongs to antidepressants. It works differently from other drugs in this category. It generally releases the neurotransmitters in the brain namely norepinephrine and serotonin which are responsible for mood regulation (5).

It is generally considered an efficacious drug treatment to control shaking in patients. This drug does not interfere with other drugs taken concomitantly therefore, it is a preferred antidepressant drug. However, some common side effects associated with taking this drug include sedation, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and blurred vision (5).

How to choose the right antidepressant if you are concerned about tremors?

The severity of side effects of taking such medications varies from person to person. Similarly, it may vary having tremors in certain patients while some may not feel any shaky or disrupted movement. However, antidepressant-induced tremors are quite rare but can cause potential adverse reactions (2).

Your healthcare provider must consider certain factors before prescribing the antidepressant based on the severity of the condition. The symptoms of depression vary among different patients and it plays an effective role in selecting the right drug.

The side effects of such drugs should also be considered and focused so that the patient does not have to deal with conditions such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, dry mouth, weight gain, or sexual disturbances.

Concomitant administration of various drugs or polypharmacy may also cause side effects which may include tremors and shaking sensation in the patient’s body. Medication-induced tremors can cause serious conditions and need to be avoided (1).

What to do if the prescribed antidepressant drug causes tremors?

If the prescribed antidepressant drug is causing tremors or other movement-related side effects, it is advised to immediately contact your healthcare provider and inform them about the current side effects.

Alternate antidepressant medication should be prescribed before abruptly stopping the use of current medication which may cause withdrawal symptoms leading to worsening of the condition. Dose reduction of the current medication may also help in reducing the drug’s side effects including tremors (2).

Tremors are a common side effect of almost all antidepressant drugs. However, the severity of the disease and condition of the patient varies in causing side effects.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the common antidepressant drugs that rarely cause tremors and trembling sensation. We have also discussed the ways to choose the perfect antidepressant drug based on the patient’s health condition and symptoms.

References