Stroke Patient Portfolio (PDF) - Buckinghamshire County Council

Common medicines used in stroke careThis group of drugs helps to lower bloodpressure. They all work in slightly differentways. Your doctor may have to try youon several different ones before you findthe most suitable one for you that has apositive effect on your blood pressure.It is most important that your bloodpressure is checked regularly, preferablyevery 3 months following a stroke, as highblood pressure increases your risk ofhaving a further stroke. Lipid regulators are a group of drugsthat can reduce your risk of having aheart attack or a stroke. They do this byreducing your cholesterol level. Statindrugs such as Simvastatin, Pravastatinand Atorvastatin are used to lowerthe cholesterol. They may have otherbeneficial effects on the blood vesselsthemselves as well as slowing down theprogression of fatty deposits.These drugs help to relieve symptoms oflow mood following stroke. If you need a repeat prescription,you must contact your GP surgery(your carer, or family member canhelp to do this). Please rememberthat your GP surgery will probablyneed up to 72 hours notice toprovide a repeat prescription. These drugs help prevent blood clots,which can sometimes block blood vesselsand cause a stroke. These medicationsinclude aspirin, dipyridamole, andclopidogrel.Aspirin has been found to have theability to make some cells in the blood(called platelets) less sticky. This reducesthe blood’s ability to clot, thus reducingthe risk of having a stroke. Aspirin is arelatively safe drug, but can irritate thelining of the stomach. It is best to takeaspirin with food. If you have recurrentstomach upsets, then please see yourdoctor. Some people are allergicto aspirin. Drugs such as Persantin(Dipridymole) or Clopidogrel work in asimilar way to aspirin and may be usedin conjunction with, or as an alternativeto, aspirin. Persantin can cause headachesin some people when they start to useit. Try and persevere for a week or so asthe headeaches usually go away. If theycontinue, please see your GP.If you have a heart condition such asatrial fibrillation you may be prescribedWarfarin instead of aspirin. Warfarinalso thins the blood but requires regularblood tests to ensure your blood is nottoo thin or too thick.Not everyone who has had a stroke isgiven medication. If you have had a brainhaemorrhage, your doctor will not giveyou medicines to thin the blood. Speakto your GP for more information.41