Treatment of lithium tremor with the beta receptor blocker, pindolol]

In a cross-over study with Pindolol, 15 mg/day, against placebo, we studied during 4 weeks 22 patients aged between 20 and 65 years who where treated by means of lithium carbonate retard (Quilonum Retard). The tremor was measured twice a week by means of three apparative methods: an accelerometer, a 'hole-plate' and an 'aimed tapping plate', both constructed by Janke, and was also studied by means of a self-evaluation rating-scale. We obtained a positive therapeutic effect of Pindolol on lithium-induced tremor, which was statistically significant by means of the 'hole-plate' and of self-evaluation. Differences in results are discussed.