Does taking an antidepressant with PD medication beneficial to slow down progression of PD?

[Highlander63]

Antidepressants

[Hidden]

There are no known ways to slow the progression of PD.

It is often suggested that exercise can, but I am not aware of any proof.

I will add my own wild guess, that good quality sleep can help slow PD progression, for it is in deep/REM sleep that the brain supposedly repairs/maintains itself.

Coincidentally, I take sertraline (aka, Zoloft, an antidepressant) to reduce anxiety which helps me sleep better, and I consistently get a good amount of Deep and REM sleep.

[Highlander63 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your input and experience. You made a great point on sleep. I could use a better night sleep for sure.

[Nitro53]

It won’t slow it down but could help with enduring it

[Lyricist]

Exercise is important if targeted at the body’s abilities affected by PD. Stamina, leg muscle strength, flexibility etc etc. No question in my mind - exercise is at the core of my fight against this insidious disease.

[Tribselyov]

Nothing reverses real Parkinson’s. Exercise helps us deal with strength and agility. Sleep is key to make the day better. Always remember attitude as there’s a documented 30 to 35% improvement with a placebo effect.. The placebo effect is very real and occurs as a result of your residual intrinsic dopamine outside of your basal ganglia. Who said “delayed hope makes the heart grow sick?” His dad had Parkinson’s….

[rebtar]

I wouldn't wait to take an antidepressant if you're depressed! also if sleep is an issue it can help. Rasagiline and Sertraline were developed as antidepressants, but their role in PD is to -possibly- slow Parkinson's and they have a small effect on raising dopamine levels.

I agree that sleep and exercise are two of the fundamentals of reducing symptoms (I'm not sure if that means slowing progression, but it might). Another is lowering your sympathetic response (fight or flight -- worry, anxiety, fear), and strengthening your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest -- relaxation, meditation, breathing practices, being out in nature, enjoying time with friends, etc.).

[Highlander63 in reply to rebtar]

Great advice.I am type A person. That will change. Thank you for the response.

[sharoncrayn]

AVOID antidepressants if possible. they can cause serious problems that can be difficult to reverse. they do NOT slow progression. However, response rates favored nortriptyline in some CTs for depression reduction.

Most neeuros in my area prefer SSRIs; tricylics next. However SSRIs are known to worsen motor functions.

sharon

[Highlander63 in reply to sharoncrayn]

I agree. I am not on any antidepressants. I only take pramipexole. I do take supplements to help protect My brain from inflammation and oxidation.

[Despe in reply to sharoncrayn]

". . .SSRIs are known to worsen motor functions."

And memory if I may add, Sharon.