Parkinson's drug shows promise for Depression's pleasure loss
NCT ID NCT04121091
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested whether pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, could help people with depression who struggle with anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure or motivation. Thirteen adults with depression and significant anhedonia took pramipexole alongside their usual antidepressant. Researchers measured changes in anhedonia symptoms and brain activity to see if the drug might target this specific symptom.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Pramipexole pill
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for anhedonia in people with depression who don't respond to standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot study with only 13 people, so results may not apply widely. Pramipexole can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, or impulse control issues.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Psychiatry Clinic, Lund, Region Skåne
Lund, 22358, Sweden