Long-acting propranolol in essential tremor.

Long-acting propranolol (propranolol-LA) was compared with propranolol in divided doses in 18 patients with essential tremor. Three patients were unresponsive to both preparations. Propranolol-LA was preferred by 87% of patients for ease of administration and by 67% for tremor control. Propranolol-LA provided similar (53%), and in some patients greater (47%), reduction of tremor amplitude than divided dosing. Propranolol-LA should be a useful drug in essential tremor.