What causes tremors and feeling shaky with lupus?
Tremors with lupus can happen for several reasons, though they're not a common symptom of lupus itself.
Lupus medications are one of the most likely causes. These medications can trigger tremors as a side effect:
* Corticosteroids (like prednisone)
* Cyclosporine
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What causes tremors and feeling shaky with lupus?
Tremors with lupus can happen for several reasons, though they're not a common symptom of lupus itself.
Lupus medications are one of the most likely causes. These medications can trigger tremors as a side effect:
* Corticosteroids (like prednisone)
* Cyclosporine
* Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
* Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
Neurological involvement can occur when lupus affects your nervous system (neuropsychiatric lupus). Autoantibodies may attack nerve cells in the brain that control movement, leading to tremors or shaking.
Thyroid problems are more common in people with lupus. About 6 percent have hypothyroidism and 1 percent have hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid can cause tremors, especially if accompanied by weight loss or heart palpitations.
Other factors that can worsen tremors include:
* Lupus flares
* Fatigue and stress
* Too much caffeine
* Sleep deprivation
* Low blood sugar
A MyLupusTeam member described it well: "I sometimes feel as if I'm shaking internally" and "It's a vibration-type shaking, not like shaky hands that someone else could see."
Since tremors can have multiple causes, working with your doctor to identify the underlying reason is important for proper management.
March 7
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