University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Neurology
Advisor
Dr. Laura Witte
Abstract
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), more commonly known as strokes, affect more than 7.8 million adults in the United States. An early trial evaluating fluoxetine for improving motor function (FLAME) indicated possible benefits, though the study utilized a small sample size. Three recent, large, international, randomized controlled trials (FOCUS, AFFINITY, and EFFECTS) evaluated fluoxetine in post-stroke recovery, more specifically, if fluoxetine leads to improved modified Rankin Scores (mRS). Post-stroke patients failed to demonstrate improvement in functional independence at six months after starting fluoxetine when compared to placebo. These studies indicate a reduced incidence of depression following a stroke, though they also indicated an increased risk of fractures, falls, and seizures in patients treated with fluoxetine.
Recommended Citation
Mueller, MS, PA-C MM. Fluoxetine Use Following a Cerebrovascular Accident. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(1).
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