Pramipexole side effects linked to overactive brain region in study

A recent study found that pramipexole, a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease, may overactivate the external globus pallidus, a brain region linked to movement and decision-making. This overactivation could explain the impulse control problems and poor decision-making seen in some patients on the medication, such as impulsive gambling or binge eating. In a mouse model, pramipexole-treated mice made riskier decisions compared to healthy or placebo-treated mice. Researchers also found that turning off the external globus pallidus improved decision-making in the mice, suggesting this region plays a key role. The study’s findings could lead to new therapies targeting this brain area to reduce such side effects while preserving the drug’s benefits for motor symptoms.