• DOI:10.1002/ANA.410160412
• Corpus ID: 24179607

Peripheral beta‐adrenergic blockade treatment of parkinsonian tremor

@article{Foster1984PeripheralBB,
  title={Peripheral beta‐adrenergic blockade treatment of parkinsonian tremor},
  author={Norman L. Foster and Richard P. Newman and Peter A. Lewitt and Megan McGee Gillespie and T. Andreo Larsen and Thomas Newell Chase},
  journal={Annals of Neurology},
  year={1984},
  volume={16}
}

• N. Foster, R. Newman, +3 authors T. Chase
• Published 1 October 1984
• Medicine, Psychology
• Annals of Neurology

The effect of nadolol, a peripherally acting beta‐adrenergic blocker, on resting, postural, and intention tremor was examined in 8 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease whose motor symptoms, other than tremor, were well controlled with conventional medications. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design, patients received 80 to 320 mg of nadolol for six weeks while continuing their previous therapeutic regimen. Accelerometer readings showed a 34% reduction (p < 0.025) in tremor distance, but no change in tremor frequency, during nadolol therapy. Maximum benefit was achieved with a dose of 240 mg, when resting tremor improved 54%, postural tremor 32%, and intention tremor 54%. Physician ratings and patient reports supported the accelerometer results. Nadolol appears to be a safe, effective adjunct to current dopaminergic and anticholinergic therapy for severe tremor in Parkinson's disease.