Q: I have recently been diagnosed with essential tremors. I am taking three 40 mg Propranolol beta blockers per day which do seem to help. However, I would like to do whatever I can to help improve my condition.
A friend of mine told me about you and your articles and said that I should take 100 mg of grape seed extract and 50 mcg of vitamin B50. My vitamin store person insists that 50 mcg of vitamin B50 does not exist so I was not able to buy it. Does it exist and where do I buy it if it does? Or, do I have to split the mgs that do exist?
I would appreciate your input on this because I have been fainting and ending up in the emergency room and I don’t know the cause. My primary care doctor at NYU Medical Center says he thinks something else is going on. Personally, I just want to know where to vet the vitamin B50 50 mcg and use it. Thank you in advance for your time and attention.
A: To begin with, I do not feel your syncopal episodes have anything to do with your essential tremor. Something else is definitely going on. I urge you to make an appointment with your primary care physician for a complete history and examination, lab testing, an EKG, possible X-rays and anything else he or she deems appropriate. You could have vasovagal syncope, a heart arrhythmia, anemia, extreme stress in your daily life, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or countless other possibilities, including low blood pressure and pulse from the propranolol. Fainting is common and can happen to otherwise healthy individuals but if you allow your physician to get to the bottom of the problem, there may be medication or a lifestyle change that will keep this from occurring in the future. You owe it to yourself to follow through.
Essential tremor is defined as an involuntary shaking-like motion during movement (such as writing, etc.) in which no cause can be clearly identified. This diagnosis is rather common in individuals older than 65. It can occur as conditions such as Parkinsonism, dystonia and some inherited conditions worsen (this is on top of the tremors that normally occur with these conditions), suggesting that genes play a role here. Everyone has some degree of a tremor but as a general rule, the tremor is so insignificant that it can’t be seen. Your physician likely made the diagnosis by doing a thorough examination and asking questions about your family history and your personal history.
Some things you might consider include learning methods of relaxation throughout the day. Tremors can be made worse when stress is involved. Avoid caffeine and be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Your physician has placed you on Propranolol which is a beta blocker. Remember that this drug can cause a slowed heart beat, fatigue and a stuffy nose. There are other drugs such as gabapentin and topiramate and primadone that are anti-seizure drugs but that have been found to help control tremors. A mild tranquilizer or a calcium channel blocker normally prescribed for high blood pressure might be appropriate. Remember that essential tremor is not generally a serious condition; it is more annoying and embarrassing than anything else but for some it can become disabling.
The remedy you are attempting to try has been mentioned in my column for the treatment of Parkinson’s tremors and originated from a reader who listed B50. The remedy involves two vitamins that are taken daily – 100 mg grape seed extract and vitamin B50. B complex vitamins are taken to strengthen and enhance the endocrine system and may also help balance the nervous system. As a point of information, the B-complex vitamins include 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 12. I don’t know where B50 can be found or what health food stores or pharmacy chains are within your shopping area but what I do know is that you might try taking the grape seed extract as indicated along with the recommended daily dosage of B as indicated on the side of your vitamin bottle. You should get an indication as to whether the remedy will work for you.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals: by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Dr. Gott’s Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
