Does Thiamine Help with Shakes and Tremors?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to studies, high-dose intramuscular thiamine has been shown to rapidly and remarkably improve tremors in some patients with Essential Tremor. This vitamin, also known as B1, is essential for a properly functioning nervous system and plays a vital role in addressing various conditions that can cause shakes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the effectiveness of thiamine for managing tremors and shakes associated with a variety of neurological conditions. It examines its role in treating deficiency-related issues like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcohol withdrawal, along with its potential benefits for conditions such as Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease.

Key Points

Alcohol-related shakes: Thiamine is a standard, essential treatment for tremors and neurological symptoms stemming from alcohol withdrawal to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Essential Tremor (ET): High-dose intramuscular thiamine has shown potential in case studies for reducing ET tremors, though this is not a widespread standard treatment and requires further research.
Parkinson's Disease (PD): Some evidence suggests a link between low thiamine and PD, and high-dose supplementation has shown some anecdotal benefits, but it is considered a complementary, not primary, therapy.
Deficiency vs. Supplementation: The effectiveness of thiamine for tremors depends on whether the shakes are caused by an underlying thiamine deficiency or a separate neurological disorder.
Parenteral vs. Oral Intake: For serious conditions and neurological disorders, parenteral (injected) administration is often more effective than oral supplements due to absorption issues.
Importance of Professional Guidance: It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for any tremors. Self-medicating with thiamine, especially high doses, is not recommended and should only be done under medical supervision.

Understanding Thiamine and Its Role in the Nervous System

Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the body's energy metabolism, particularly in the brain and nervous system. It acts as a cofactor for several key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, which is the primary fuel for the nervous system. Without adequate thiamine, these processes falter, leading to a host of neurological symptoms, including tremors and weakness.

The central nervous system is particularly sensitive to thiamine deficiency due to its high energy requirements. When thiamine levels drop, nerve cells cannot function correctly, and this dysfunction can manifest as various motor and sensory problems. The therapeutic use of thiamine to help with shakes depends heavily on the underlying cause of the tremors. Its effectiveness varies significantly depending on whether the shakes are caused by a deficiency, a neurological disorder, or another issue.

Thiamine for Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes

One of the most common applications of thiamine for shakes is in the context of alcohol withdrawal. Chronic alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for thiamine deficiency due to a combination of poor nutritional intake, reduced intestinal absorption, and impaired thiamine utilization. When heavy drinkers cease alcohol consumption, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and in severe cases, delirium tremens.

Thiamine is a standard part of treatment for individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal, primarily to prevent or treat Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The 'shakes' experienced during withdrawal can be a precursor to this more severe neurological condition. High-dose parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous) thiamine is typically administered to rapidly replenish the body's stores. While benzodiazepines are the primary treatment for the acute withdrawal symptoms and tremors, thiamine is crucial for correcting the underlying nutritional deficiency and preventing life-threatening complications.

Thiamine and Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands. Recent studies have explored the potential for high-dose thiamine therapy to address this condition, particularly in patients who do not respond well to standard medications like propranolol or primidone. One case study demonstrated a remarkable and sustained improvement in tremor severity in patients with ET who received intramuscular high-dose thiamine injections.

While the exact mechanism for this is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that ET patients might have a localized metabolic dysfunction involving thiamine-dependent processes in the brain. High-dose administration might overcome issues with thiamine transport or metabolism at a cellular level. However, it is important to note that these findings are based on limited studies and require further confirmation through large-scale, controlled trials. Standard oral thiamine doses have not shown the same effect.

Thiamine in the Management of Parkinson's Tremors

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is another neurodegenerative disorder involving tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement, primarily caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. A link between PD and thiamine has been suggested by studies observing lower-than-normal levels of thiamine in the cerebrospinal fluid of some PD patients. Thiamine is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, so a deficiency could exacerbate PD symptoms.

Case reports have indicated that high-dose thiamine supplementation might offer some clinical benefits for PD patients, with some experiencing improvements in tremor and other motor symptoms. A lipid-soluble thiamine derivative, benfotiamine, with better oral bioavailability, has also been used with positive results in some cases. However, as with ET, thiamine is not a cure and is considered a complementary approach, not a primary treatment. The scientific evidence is not yet conclusive enough to make it a standard part of PD therapy, and it should only be used under medical supervision.

Comparison of Thiamine Use for Different Types of Tremors


Feature	Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes	Essential Tremor (ET)	Parkinson's Disease (PD) Tremors
Underlying Cause	Thiamine deficiency from chronic alcohol abuse	Neurological disorder; potential localized metabolic issue	Neurodegeneration of dopamine neurons; potential thiamine link
Therapeutic Role	Essential for preventing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome	Complementary treatment, especially high-dose parenteral	Potential complementary therapy; more research needed
Effectiveness for Tremors	Reduces risk of withdrawal-related complications	Shows promise in some case studies with high doses	Case reports suggest possible benefits; not a primary therapy
Administration Route	Parenteral (IM or IV) initially, then oral	Studies used high-dose intramuscular injections	Both parenteral and enhanced oral forms explored
Speed of Effect	Can see rapid improvement in neurological symptoms	Apparent improvement seen within months in some cases	Varies; anecdotal reports suggest some rapid effects

Potential for Oral Thiamine and Dietary Intake

For general nutritional support, consuming thiamine-rich foods is the best strategy. Foods like whole grains, pork, nuts, and legumes are excellent sources of this vital vitamin. A balanced diet can help prevent deficiency in healthy individuals. However, in conditions involving impaired absorption, such as chronic alcohol use or certain gastrointestinal diseases, oral intake may be insufficient.

Furthermore, for neurological conditions like ET or PD, the research showing benefit has largely involved high-dose, parenteral administration, not standard oral supplementation. The high concentrations delivered via injection may be necessary to bypass metabolic or transport barriers in the brain. While oral supplements are widely available, they should not be seen as a replacement for medical treatment for these complex conditions.

Conclusion: Navigating Thiamine as a Treatment for Shakes

Thiamine's ability to help with shakes depends critically on the underlying cause. It is a cornerstone treatment for alcohol-related tremors and essential for preventing severe neurological damage like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. For other types of tremors, such as those associated with Essential Tremor or Parkinson's Disease, high-dose thiamine has shown some promise in limited studies, though it remains a complementary rather than primary therapy. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before considering thiamine supplementation for shakes, as the appropriate dosage and administration route can differ dramatically depending on the condition. Self-medicating, especially with high doses, is not recommended and can delay proper treatment.

Further Resources

For more information on Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild tremors, maintaining a balanced diet with thiamine-rich foods is a good first step. However, for shakes related to a medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or a neurological disorder, oral supplements are often insufficient and professional medical guidance is necessary.

In cases of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which can be triggered by alcohol withdrawal, neurological symptoms like confusion and eye movement problems can improve dramatically within hours or days of high-dose, parenteral thiamine administration.

No. Thiamine is primarily effective for tremors caused by a specific deficiency, particularly those related to chronic alcohol abuse. For other conditions like Essential Tremor or Parkinson's Disease, its role is less certain and requires higher doses or parenteral administration, which is not universally effective.

For alcohol withdrawal, thiamine is critical to prevent severe deficiency-related brain damage. For Essential Tremor, high-dose thiamine injections have shown promise in limited case studies, suggesting a possible metabolic effect, but it is not standard treatment.

Thiamine is generally safe, even in high doses, but it should be administered under medical supervision, especially for more severe conditions. Large intravenous doses should be infused slowly to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis. Consultation with a doctor is essential to ensure appropriate use and safety.

You can increase your natural thiamine intake by eating more whole grains, enriched cereals, pork, fish (like trout and tuna), legumes, nuts, and seeds. A balanced diet is the best way to maintain healthy thiamine levels for general nerve function.

For severe deficiency or certain neurological conditions, injected thiamine ensures maximum absorption. This is particularly important when a patient's body has trouble absorbing nutrients through the gut, such as in chronic alcoholism or advanced age.