Brief Answer:
More information is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for coming to HealthcareMagic.

I am not sure I understand what do you mean by saying you're getting your father's shaky hands. I am assuming you mean you are asking on behalf of your father, but if you mean you yourself have shaky hands like your father please correct me.

Shaking of the hands is usually called tremor. Some slight degree of tremor augmenting in situations of stress is actually normal and doesn't necessarily mean there is any condition to be treated. If the tremor is marked though, affecting daily activities, then more consideration is needed.

Now tremor can be of many types and due to many different causes. So in order for me to at least try to provide some useful suggestion I am afraid you have to provide some more detail. By that I mean information on:
-whether the tremor is on one side only or bilaterally.
-since when is it present
-is it present constantly or only in certain situations
-is it more pronounced at rest, or when maintaining a posture or when reaching for objects.
-is it enhanced by stress, coffee or alleviated by alcoholic beverages
-any other family member manifesting tremor
-any other medical conditions or tests which have been run by your doctor?

It is information like that which may help in identifying diagnosis and treatment. To cite some common causes tremor more pronounced at rest initially only on one side would suggest Parkinson's disease. Bilateral tremor more pronounced when reaching for objects, enhanced by stress and improved by a drink, with a prior history in the family would suggest benign essential tremor. Other causes would include high thyroid function, electrolyte alterations etc for which blood tests are needed. Anxiety may cause some tremor as well.

In terms of medication of course that depends on the cause, but a beta blocker is a common first choice medication, propranolol in particular, so if there is high blood pressure as well seems a good choice.

I remain at your disposal for other questions, but please providing the information I mention above.

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Brief Answer:
Essential tremor.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for clearing that up.

Judging from the family history you have this bilateral tremor is what is called essential tremor. It is not dangerous in any way but it can really affect daily activities, I understand your situation. I still think the blood tests I mentioned for metabolic issues or thyroid high function should be done.

In terms of treatment the most appropriate is either Propranolol a beta-blocker/6535?iL=true" >beta blocker or Primidone an antiepileptic. I do not know if Propranolol is the beta-blocker prescribed to you, you should discuss it with your doctor if not as other beta-blockers are not as effective. If a low dosage is not effective it may be increased up to 24 mg/day, providing there are no side effects.
If Propranolol is not effective the other option as I said is Primidone. When neither Propranolol nor Primidone work well enough alone they may be used together.

Let me know if I can further assist you.

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Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
No none of them are over the counter medication.

I would suggest you get the prescription from your primary physician, the one who prescribed the beta blocker. He should have your EKG as well which is necessary before starting any beta blocker, including propranolol.
I am not sure why would you go to web md for prescription, I am not aware of them prescribing medication. I wouldn't advise getting prescriptions online anyway, our site doesn't permit that either, online sites may serve for a second opinion or a rapid answer thanks to their quick easy access, but you should have always your primary doctor following you.

I hope to have been of help.

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