Treatment for stroke-- Medication

Treatment for stroke-- Medication

Your doctor will probably prescribe several medicines after you have had a stroke. Medicines to prevent blood clots are typically used, because blood clots can cause TIAs and strokes.
The types of medicines that prevent clotting are:
•Anticoagulant medicines.
•Antiplatelet medicines.
Cholesterol-lowering and blood-pressure-lowering medicines are also used to prevent TIAs and strokes.
Anticoagulant medicines
Anticoagulants such as warfarin (for example, Coumadin) prevent blood clots from forming and keep existing blood clots from getting bigger.
 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Depression and Pain After a Stroke .
You may need to take this type of medicine after a stroke if you have atrial fibrillation or another condition that makes you more likely to have another stroke. For more information, see the topic Atrial Fibrillation.
Antiplatelet medicines
Antiplatelet medicines keep platelets in the blood from sticking together.
•Aspirin (for example, Bayer) is most often used to prevent TIAs and strokes.
•Aspirin combined with dipyridamole (Aggrenox) is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin.
•Clopidogrel (Plavix) may be used for people who cannot take aspirin.
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Statins
Statins lower cholesterol and your risk for another stroke.
Blood pressure medicines
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may want you to take medicines to lower it. Blood pressure medicines include:
•Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
•Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
•Beta-blockers.
•Calcium channel blockers.
•Diuretics.
Other medicines
Medicines used to treat depression and pain may also be prescribed after a stroke.
 Slideshow: Stroke Rehab to Regain Arm Movement .
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise