Citalopram for Parkinson's Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial will test if taking citalopram for a long period can reduce harmful brain plaques in older adults with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to see if this can help prevent or slow down memory and thinking problems. The study involves patients aged 65 and older who do not have depression. Citalopram has been observed to improve motor performance in Parkinson's disease patients when combined with levodopa.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but you cannot participate if you've used antidepressants or certain other medications in the past year. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is citalopram safe for use in humans?
Citalopram is generally considered safe for use in adults with depression, with common side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and increased sweating being mild to moderate. However, there is a report of citalopram potentially worsening motor symptoms in a Parkinson's disease patient, suggesting caution in this specific condition.12345
How does the drug citalopram differ from other treatments for Parkinson's disease?
Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is unique in its potential to improve bradykinesia (slowness of movement) in Parkinson's disease patients, especially those also experiencing depression. Unlike some other treatments, it may help manage both motor and mood symptoms without worsening motor performance, although its impact on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (involuntary movements) is still under investigation.23678
Is the drug citalopram effective for treating Parkinson's disease?
Citalopram, a drug used to treat depression, has shown mixed results in Parkinson's disease. While one study found it improved movement issues like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), another case report suggested it might worsen motor symptoms. Overall, it seems to help with depression without significantly affecting Parkinson's symptoms.23679
Who Is on the Research Team?
Vikas Kotagal, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people aged 65 or older with Parkinson's Disease, having specific disease severity scores (HY 2.0 to 3.0). They must not have used antidepressants in the past year, have no major brain damage on imaging, no life-threatening illnesses, and cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive citalopram 20mg daily or placebo for 26 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Citalopram
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator