What should I do about my inhaler making me shake?

Question

I have an albuterol inhaler for my resently diagnosed asthma. But I KNOW that it makes me shake. A little while after I use it, I start to physically shake a lot. Some times violently. I know that I should tell my doctor, but is it serious enough to tell her about or should I just deal with it?

Answer 1

You have to mention it to your doctor. I work as a Respiratory Therapist and have seen this happen on a lot of patients. Albuterol is a beta drug, and some of the side effects of this drug are tachycardia, tingling in fingers or shakiness. Your heart rate is probably increasing while you are shaking so much. It is a very serious side effect and can cause major heart problems if not treated right away. What your physician might do is either cut down the dose to half or ask you to use it less frequently. If you are using 4 puffs, you might have to cut it down to 2 puffs. Also there are medications available like Levalbuterol (Xopenex) which doesn't cause this side effect. It is an expensive drug though. Please let your physician know so he can change your medication. If you are shaking violently, I recommend not using this medication at all. Try something like Advair (250/50) 1 puff once a day OR maybe Spiriva 1 tablet once a day. These are very effective alternatives. Please mention to your physician about this as soon as you can.

Answer 2

Albuterol makes me shake also. There is another drug out there that is like albuterol only without many of the side effects. It is called Xopenex. In inhaler form, it is new and is more expensive, but it is well worth it in my opinion. My asthmatic 5 year old and my 10 month old with interstitial lung disease both use it (in the nebulizer) with a whole lot fewer side effects. You might ask your doctor about it and at least tell him about the shaking.

Answer 3

I use inhalers too. One of mine makes me shake too. Sometimes worse than others. When it is bad it takes two hands for me to pick up a glass. But I have never shaken violently.
I would call my doctor. The violent part doesn't sound right. You will feel better after you call too. There are millions of different drugs you can put you on..............Good luck...........

Answer 4

I have been using Albuterol for 10 years. I am ok with just 1 puff, but if I am feeling an attack coming on I will take at least 3 puffs and yes my heart starts beating really fast and I do get nervous but it subsides in about 10 minutes and I am fine. That is the only way I can get quick relief. On my prescription, it tells me to take it "as needed" and that is what I do. I try to wait at least 2 hours though but sometimes I can't. You can talk to your doctor about it but it has never bothered me.

Answer 5

albuterol in a way, is similar to a shot of adrenaline, just inhaled... if it is too strong for you (which it is, since your shaking) you need to contact your dr. immediately so she can prescribe something else for you.

get off of answers and call your dr.'s office and let them know your situation.

good luck!

Answer 6

Okay...I use albuterol too, & two puffs will make me hyper.
I only use enough to relieve the attack, which is one puff. BUT, you should talk to your doctor, this is not for maintaning, it is for immediate relief & the dose he has you on is too strong. He should have you on a daily inhaler & he should tell you to only use albuterol if you *really* need it. It isn't that good for you & will hurt you if you use it too much!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

It's just a side effect from them lots of people get it, I do, if it is really that bad you could always go and see your doctor and try something different.

Answer 9

tell her the inhalers have a steriod in them thats what calms your lungs and makes them expand to breathe easier but makes u shake

Answer 10

Tell the doc. You need your dosage or usage adjusted. A bit shaky is one thing, violent shaking is another completely.