Parkinson's drug shows promise for Depression's pleasure loss

NCT ID NCT04121091

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Region Skane Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia bipolar depression bipolar disorder depressive disorder dysthymic disorder endogenous depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANHEDONIA DEPRESSION, BIPOLAR DEPRESSION, UNIPOLAR DYSTHYMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Psychiatry Clinic, Lund, Region Skåne

Lund, 22358, Sweden

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