Post-Stroke Care: Commonly Prescribed Medications

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Flora Umukoro

Seniors are particularly susceptible to strokes, and the stroke rehabilitation process can be demanding. During recovery, seniors who experience strokes may face challenges ranging from cognitive and motor function loss to pain and depression. While physical therapy and surgery may address some of these challenges, stroke survivors will usually receive several medications. Here are some of the most common types of medications prescribed, brought to you by Tracy Home Care Assistance.

Medications to Improve Mental Health

In the wake of a stroke, many seniors experience anxiety and depression, particularly during challenging physical rehabilitation. To counteract these mental health effects, physicians may prescribe anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and even mild sedatives to help with feelings of restlessness and agitation. Additionally, drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) may be used to facilitate focus during rehabilitation.

Medications to Aid Sleep

The physical pain and mental challenges for seniors can often prevent sound, healthy sleep. Many physicians prescribe anti-depressants for sleep difficulty, but for stubborn cases of insomnia, a doctor may also consider prescribing a more targeted sleep aid such as chloral hydrate.

Medications to Fight Clot Formation

In order to stave off any subsequent strokes, physicians will often prescribe anti-coagulants and/or anti-platelet medications following an initial stroke. These drugs—often referred to as blood-thinners—may be prescription medications or over-the-counter regimens of aspirin. Seniors often have other conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which puts them at increased risk for additional strokes. If these conditions are present, physicians may prescribe beta-blockers or diuretics for high blood pressure or statins for high cholesterol.

Medications to Reduce Pain

Depending on the severity and nature of the stroke, seniors may also experience pain during the rehabilitation period, particularly if surgery was required. If pain is part of his or her recovery process, a physician may prescribe narcotics or pain medications to make the senior more comfortable.

While each case varies, these medications are some of the most commonly prescribed treatments for stroke survivors. As always, it is important to monitor a senior’s health and behavior closely and to alert the treating physician to any changes. Because many of these drugs—particularly pain medications and sleep aids—can be habit-forming, it is also important to watch for signs of dependency and to monitor outside access to prescription drugs.

Monitoring medications and meeting the care needs of a senior loved one after a stroke can be challenging. Find the resources you and your loved one need and deserve to ensure the quality of care he or she receives remains high through Home Care Assistance. We are a trusted provider of post-stroke care in Tracy, and our dedicated caregivers can pick-up prescriptions, offer medication reminders, and provide transportation to and from follow-up appointments. For more information, call an experienced Care Manager at 209-650-8500 and schedule a free in-home consultation.