Pramipexole and pergolide in the treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease: a national multicentre prospective randomized study

Eur J Neurol. 2003 Jul;10(4):399-406. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2003.00612.x.

Abstract

An 8-month multicentre prospective randomized study aimed at comparing the effects of dopamine receptor agonists pramipexole (PPX; Mirapexin) and pergolide (PRG; Permax) as add-on to L-dopa therapy on depression [Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] in 41 non-demented patients (25 men, 16 women) suffering from both mild or moderate depression and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The assessment was performed by a blinded independent observer. Motor symptoms (UPDRS III), motor complications (UPDRS IV), activities of daily living (UPDRS II and VI) and depressive symptoms as measured by Self - Rating Depression Scale by Zung were evaluated in an open-label design. The average value of Zung scores decreased significantly in both groups with no statistical difference between both groups. A significant decrease in the average value of MADRS scores was present only in the PPX group. The average UPDRS scores decreased significantly with no statistical difference between both groups at the comparable average total daily dose of both preparations. In both cases, the total daily dose of L-dopa decreased significantly but the decrease was statistically more pronounced in the PRG group. Our results demonstrate the antidepressant effect of PPX in patients with PD while we can't make any conclusions with regard to antidepressant effect of PRG.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Pergolide / adverse effects
  • Pergolide / therapeutic use*
  • Placebos
  • Pramipexole
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Thiazoles / adverse effects
  • Thiazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Placebos
  • Thiazoles
  • Pergolide
  • Levodopa
  • Pramipexole