title: Fluoxetine does not impair motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease: correlation between mood and motor functions with plasma concentrations of fluoxetine/norfluoxetine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly chosen antidepressants in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of our study was to assess the influence of fluoxetine (Flu) on motor functions in patients with PD.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective, controlled, open-label study, 18 patients with PD and mild depression [(10 < or = Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS) < or = 23)] without dementia [(25 < or = Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)] were treated with Flu. Both single and repeated dose effects of Flu were assessed on days 1-80. Plasma concentrations of Flu and norfluoxetine (NORFlu) were correlated with the results of selected motor function performance scores: The Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Score (UPDRS), Finger Tapping Test (FTT) and Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT). Severity of PD, depression and dementia were evaluated using standard tests [(Hoehn and Yahr stages (HY), activity of daily living (ADL), UPDRS, HDRS, MMSE)].
  
  
  RESULTS
  Steady-state for Flu/NORFlu was reached after 18 days of treatment. Such a plateau correlated with significant improvements in both scores of depression and Parkinson's disability (HDRS, UPDRS and ADL, respectively). In addition, FTT and PPT scores also increased until day 18, with further slight fluctuations around the plateau. Optimal motor performances correlated with Flu concentrations of approximately 60-110 microg/L.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Flu (20 mg/day) significantly reduced depression in PD patients while it did not impair their motor performances. Because substantial placebo effects may arise in studies of PD and depression, large, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are warranted.
authors: Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
authors: Vladimir
authors: V
authors: Kostić
authors: Eleonora
authors: E
authors: Dzoljić
authors: Zoran
authors: Z
authors: Todorović
authors: Milija
authors: M
authors: Mijajlović
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Svetel
authors: Elka
authors: E
authors: Stefanova
authors: Natasa
authors: N
authors: Dragasević
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Petrović
authors: Milenko
authors: M
authors: Milosević
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Kovacević
authors: Branislava
authors: B
authors: Miljković
authors: Milena
authors: M
authors: Pokrajac
authors: Milica
authors: M
authors: Prostran
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors