A Parkinson's Drug Shows Promise for Anhedonia in Treatment-Resistant Depression
A recent clinical trial has investigated the potential of pramipexole, a medication typically used for Parkinson's disease, as an add-on therapy for anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure—in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Study Design and Key Findings
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, published in Nature Medicine, included 82 participants with marked anhedonia. Over nine weeks, patients receiving pramipexole showed greater improvement in anhedonia symptoms compared to those on placebo.
The effect persisted in a six-month open-label extension phase for patients who continued treatment.
Brain imaging using 7 Tesla fMRI indicated positive effects on the reward system, and activity monitors revealed increased physical activity in daily life among the pramipexole group.
Tolerability and Safety
Side effects included sleep problems, nausea, and dizziness, which were generally manageable through dose adjustment. Few participants discontinued during the randomized phase.
Long-term tolerability and efficacy were maintained during the six-month follow-up.
Attribution
The study was conducted by researchers at Lund University and Region Skåne. Statements from Daniel Lindqvist, Filip Ventorp, and Marie Asp are as reported in the press release.