Study finds blood pressure medication may reduce tremors in Parkinson's patients

A study has found that propranolol, a medication for high blood pressure, may help reduce tremors in Parkinson's patients. Standard treatments often fail to control tremors, which affect up to 90% of those with the disease. In a trial with 27 patients, propranolol effectively reduced tremors during both restful and stressful situations. Researchers believe that the stress hormone noradrenaline amplifies tremors, and propranolol may inhibit this effect. Propranolol is recommended for patients who do not respond to levodopa, the standard Parkinson's treatment. While effective, it can cause low blood pressure, so caution is advised in its use.