Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Are older antidepressants better for depression in parkinson's disease?
5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
ECT: I can't say for sure, but electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most powerful tool we have to treat severe depression and it can have positive, although transient, effects on parkinsonianism, reducing symptoms in the short term.
Answered 10/4/2016
6.2k views
Not really: Although still used there is no evidence that they are any better than newer antidepressants in treating depression in Parkinson's patients. In fact they may actually be more risky since the older antidepressants have many more side effects. They interact with more receptor sites in the brain than newer antidepressants raising the chances of serious unwanted side effects.
Answered 10/3/2016
6.2k views
Nortriptyline: Nortriptyline which is a tricyclic antidepressant has been shown to be helpful for depression in those with parkinson's disease. Also paroxetine has some evidence for treating depression in parkinson's. In general antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and Dopamine seem to help more. Antidepressants that affect serotonin can worsen movement symptoms common in pd such as restless legs.
Answered 6/25/2014
4.8k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Is surgery a good choice for intractable depression (17 years) chronic pain and parkinsonism? If so where should I look for a top physician?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
On 450mg wellbutrin, (bupropion) 2mg of mirapex for depression. I do not have rls/parkinsons. Mirpex cause bad insomnia. Sinemet might be be better option?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Tremor in both hands, headache, constipation, fatigue,joint pains,nervepains,footpain,dizzy,cant swing 1 hand,depression etc is it parkinson or ET?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
How could a history of depression/being on antidepressants restrict your opportunities in the united states?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Have had pressure in head for several months. Have been on several antidepressants over the same duration for anxiety and depression. Are the two link?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Are antidepressants safe for an 18 year old? I cut mself every day but mostly im ok but i feel terrible with depression bouts and crying .normal?
87 yr old, my sister, tak antidepressant. Her husband died 2 yrs ago & she is filled w anxiety & depression. she hs vascular dementia. cried every day for 2 yrs 2x day.she 4gets he died. need 2 control this anxiety & depression.is prozac good 4 her?
I have schizzoaffective disorder and I'm very lethargic and un motivated and bit depressed, what's he best antidepressant (I'm on lamictal and abilify (aripiprazole)?
Scared i'm getting more unstable on my feet and so much more tired I am on depression meds wondering if new diag. Of Parkinson's is farther along ?
Parkinsons symptoms in brain--does it cause dementia or depression?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
