Paroxetine (Paxil®) and sertraline (Zoloft®) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs available by prescription. Both are used widely for treating depression.

SSRIs increase the brain concentration of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is decreased in depression and in Huntington’s. SSRIs also increase brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes nerve cell health (Duan et al. 2004).

Sertraline and paroxetine reduce brain injury, improve motor dysfunction, and increase survival in Huntington’s model mice when given either before or after the development of symptoms (Duan et al., 2004; Duan et al., 2005).

Both of these drugs are available by prescription. Dosages of sertraline (Zoloft) for the treatment of depression vary with each individual, ranging from 50 to 150 mg per day. Paroxetine (Paxil) dose range is 20 to 60 mg per day. However, based on mouse model study, I recommend dosages at the high end. Higher doses are likely necessary for increasing BDNF levels.

Side effects of these drugs include nausea, headache, sleepiness or insomnia, dry mouth, and sexual difficulty. Higher dosages should not be used with tricyclic drugs (like amitriptyline/Elavil® or trazadone).

• Duan, W., Z. Guo, H. Jiang, B. Ladenheim, X. Xu, J. L. Cadet and M. P. Mattson (2004). "Paroxetine retards disease onset and progression in Huntingtin mutant mice." Ann Neurol 55(4): 590-4.
• Duan, W., Q. Peng, M. Zhao, B. Ladenheim, N. Masuda, J. L. Cadet, and C. A. Ross (2005) "Sertraline Retards Progression and Improves Survival in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease." Society for Neuroscience 2005 Annual Meeting (Poster).