Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Stroke

Purpose of ReviewThe interest in SSRIs after stroke has increased in the past few years, with better knowledge of post-stroke depression and with the demonstrated capacity of some SSRIs to act on the functional recovery of non-depressed subjects.Recent FindingsArguments for the action of SSRIs in favour of post-stroke neurological function recovery have improved through new elements: basic science and preclinical data, positive clinical trials and repeated series of stroke patient meta-analysis, and confirmation of favourable safety conditions in post-stroke patients.SummaryGlobal coherence is appearing, showing that SSRIs improve stroke recovery in non-depressed patients when given for 3months after the stroke, with highly favourable safety conditions and a favourable benefit/risk ratio. Large series are still needed.