Final Answer:
Lithium-induced tremor is typically reduced by the administration of propranolol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, is commonly employed to alleviate lithium-induced tremor. Lithium, used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, can cause fine hand tremors as a side effect. Propranolol counteracts this by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing the sympathetic nervous system's activity. This diminishes the tremor amplitude and frequency, providing relief to the patient.
In physiological terms, propranolol's mechanism of action involves competitive antagonism of beta-adrenergic receptors. Beta receptors mediate the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine, neurotransmitters that activate the sympathetic nervous system. By binding to these receptors, propranolol inhibits the stimulatory effects of these neurotransmitters, leading to a reduction in sympathetic activity. Since lithium-induced tremor is linked to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, propranolol's blockade of beta receptors helps mitigate the tremor.
The dosage of propranolol is typically titrated based on the severity of the tremor. A starting dose of 20 mg orally, two to three times daily, may be adjusted upwards as needed. It's crucial to monitor the patient for potential side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Additionally, individual patient factors, such as comorbidities and concurrent medications, should be considered when determining the appropriate dosage to optimize the therapeutic benefit while minimizing adverse effects.