In a nutshell
This study investigated the impact of trimetazidine (Vastarel MR) in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that the use of trimetazidine should be avoided in PD.
Some background
PD is one of the most common brain diseases. It affects brain cells which are responsible for several body functions. The symptoms can go from mental disorders such as depression and/or physical such as muscle weakness.
Trimetazidine is a commonly used medication to treat heart disease. It has side effects such as nausea and headache, as well as muscle symptoms such as trembling or involuntary movements. It has been recommended a better application of this drug in movement disorders but not in PD.
Prior studies showed that PD symptoms caused by trimetazidine improve after stopping treatment. However, it is not clear if stopping the treatment improves the severity of symptoms and the quality of life of these patients.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 42 patients with PD using trimetazidine. These patients were followed-up when they stopped the treatment and at 3 months. This was performed by psychological assessments and questionnaires. Their regular PD medication was not changed during the study.
Significant improvement was achieved after patients stopped the trimetazidine treatment. These patients showed improved movement and non-movement symptoms, as well as depression symptoms. Health-related quality of life also improved after these patients stopped taking trimetazidine. No heart side effects were reported during 12 months after patients had stopped trimetazidine treatment.
The bottom line
This study concluded that trimetazidine worsens the symptoms in patients with PD and should be avoided in these patients.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are needed.
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
Jun 22, 2020
