Long-term efficacy and tolerability of add-on pramipexole for anhedonic depression – an open label follow-up study
Depression can often make it hard to enjoy life, a symptom doctors call anhedonia. This trial tests whether adding a medicine called pramipexole to usual care can help restore feelings of pleasure and improve mood. Pramipexole works on dopamine, a brain chemical that helps us feel reward and motivation. In this Phase 3 study, adults with depression will take pramipexole alongside their regular treatments. Researchers will check if it helps relieve depression over the longer term. They will also look closely at safety and side effects. To see how the medicine affects daily life, participants will complete surveys about their mood and sleep. They will also wear activity trackers to record their movement, heart rate, and sleep quality, and take part in memory and thinking tasks. Taking part helps researchers understand if this treatment offers a new path to recovery.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Depression can affect people in many different ways. One common and difficult symptom is anhedonia, which means losing the ability to feel pleasure or motivation in everyday things like hobbies, food, or spending time with family. For many people, standard antidepressants do not fully bring back these feelings of enjoyment and emotional connection.
This Phase 3 study looks at whether adding a medicine called pramipexole can help. Pramipexole affects dopamine, an important chemical messenger in the brain involved in reward, pleasure, and movement. By adding it to existing care, researchers hope it will lift feelings of numbness and improve general wellbeing in people whose symptoms have not fully cleared.
The study also aims to understand how pramipexole affects the body day-to-day. As well as measuring mood, the research team will track physical activity, sleep patterns, and thinking skills. This detailed research will help doctors learn whether pramipexole is safe, well tolerated, and truly effective for long-term recovery.
Key takeaways
- Tests pramipexole as an add-on medicine for adults with depression.
- Specifically focuses on relieving anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure).
- Open to adults aged 18 and over of all genders.
- Involves mood surveys, thinking tests, and wearing a daily activity tracker.
- Open-label trial with no placebo, so all participants receive the medicine.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is open to adults aged 18 and older who are living with depression, specifically those who experience a persistent loss of interest or pleasure in daily life. Both men and women are welcome to take part.
Because this study evaluates pramipexole as an 'add-on' treatment, participants will likely need to be on an existing treatment plan or have continuing symptoms despite standard care. A clinical team will carry out a thorough health check to make sure the trial is safe and appropriate for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged 18 or older.
- You have a diagnosis of depression.
- You struggle to feel pleasure, motivation, or enjoyment in daily life.
- You are able to attend regular clinic appointments.
- You are comfortable wearing an activity tracker and completing health surveys.
What does participation involve?
Participants will take pramipexole by mouth as an additional treatment alongside their usual care and will attend regular clinic visits. During the trial, you will fill in questionnaires about your mood, anxiety, and ability to feel pleasure. You will also wear a fitness-style activity monitor that tracks your daily steps, movement, heart rate, and sleep quality. The research team will check your memory and concentration using standard thinking tasks, and may perform blood tests and brain scans (fMRI) to see how your body responds. Because this is an open-label study, both you and the doctors will know that you are taking the study medicine.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
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Common questions
What is anhedonia?
Anhedonia is the medical word for losing the ability to feel pleasure, joy, or interest in activities you usually enjoy.
What does 'open-label' mean?
It means there is no dummy pill (placebo). Both you and your study doctors will know you are taking pramipexole.
Do I have to stop taking my current antidepressants?
No. Pramipexole is being tested as an 'add-on' treatment, meaning it is taken alongside your regular care.
What will the activity monitor measure?
The monitor is worn like a watch and records everyday movement, including your steps, heart rate, and how well you sleep.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your usual healthcare will continue as normal.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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