The shakiness is a common side effect of albuterol. If it annoys you, you could ask your doc about switching to Xopenex. That's a different form of the drug in albuterol, tends to not have those side effects. Some people say it's more effective. Xopenex does cost a bit more than albuterol, though, since it's relatively new on the market. It is still only available as a brand name, not as generic.

Flovent - it's an inhaled steroid, won't have the side effects that you are experiencing with albuterol. Some people here have used it for years, been very happy with it. Just be sure to rinse your mouth after using it to prevent thrush (oral fungus). Or use a spacer - that will also help prevent thrush.

BTW, I am also midlife, was just diagnosed with asthma last year. I think I also had asthma beginning when I was a kid (all of the frequent 2 month long "colds", the collapsed lung from coughing when I was in high school...). I haven't gotten comfortable with the inhaler use - coordinating the breathing with the inhaler activation - so I use a spacer even with my Xopenex....sigh - the disadvantage of being middle aged and trying to figure out asthma. ;-{ But it will get easier for you - to live with it...I have moderate persistent asthma, but I don't think much about it any more. It's about like wearing contact lenses: it's only a *small* part of my life, kwim? Even today - my breathing is mucked up; I may have to haul out the nebulizer - if I can muster the time and energy for it...life really goes on normally.

Hang in there! You may have to experiment with your doc to find the right combination of meds that work for you. Some of us use a steriod (I use Asmanex - a dry powder inhaler) and also a long acting bronchodialator (mine is Serevant, also a dry powder). But we're all so different...I use those - my controller meds - morning and night. Takes about 30 seconds (total); I keep them in the kitchen where I won't (usually) forget them...You'll need to carry your rescue med (albuterol, Xopenex - whatever) with you all the time; but that isn't a big deal either - at midlife, aren't most of us starting to need reading glasses? You know, carry a pair of bifocals - ? This isn't much different...