Paroxetine in Parkinson's disease: effects on motor and depressive symptoms

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been used in the treatment of depression in patients with PD. Conflicting data as to whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors worsen parkinsonian motor symptomatology have been reported. In this study, the additional 6 months therapy with paroxetine 20 mg/d in a group of depressed patients with PD did not modify parkinsonian motor function (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores); however, in one patient, fully reversible worsening of tremor was observed. Depression, as evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, improved from baseline to final visit (p < 0.05 by analysis of variance).