Study of Antidepressants in Parkinson's Disease
Study of Antidepressants in Parkinson's Disease
The purpose of this study is to find out if two antidepressant medications, paroxetine and
 venlafaxine, can help control depression in Parkinson's disease, and if these medications
 affect the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremor, stiffness, slowness, and
 balance.
Nearly 50 percent of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from depression-a
 condition that causes disability and can reduce quality of life. The University of Rochester
 Medical Center is conducting a research study of antidepressant medications to find out more
 about how to treat depression in PD. Antidepressant medications have not been adequately
 studied in persons with PD.

 The purpose of this study is to find out if the antidepressant medications paroxetine and
 venlafaxine can help control depression in PD and whether or not these medications affect the
 motor symptoms of PD such as tremor, stiffness, slowness, and balance.

 This is a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week study of paroxetine immediate
 release (Paxil) and venlafaxine extended release (Effexor XR). Paroxetine and venlafaxine XR
 are drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available
 by prescription. Paroxetine and venlafaxine XR have been shown to be effective in treating
 depression in the general population. Two hundred, twenty-eight persons will be enrolled
 among 15 medical centers throughout the United States and Canada. Each person will
 participate in the trial for 12 weeks. Each participant will be randomly assigned to take
 either paroxetine or venlafaxine, or a placebo.
Inclusion Criteria:

 To be eligible you must be:

 -  30 years old or older

 -  diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

 -  experiencing symptoms of depression such as sadness, decreased energy, or problems
 sleeping