Final answer:
After a stroke, patients may be prescribed antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, statins to reduce cholesterol, or Coumadin to prevent blood clotting. DAPT may be used for dual antiplatelet prevention, and managing high blood pressure through medication is essential to reduce stroke risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients who have experienced a stroke are often prescribed medications for future prevention, which may include a variety of different drugs aimed at tackling the underlying causes and preventing recurrence. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are commonly used to prevent the clots from becoming larger and are often prescribed to prevent a first or recurrent stroke. In cases where plaque buildup is evident, patients might be prescribed statins to reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Coumadin is another drug frequently given to prevent excessive blood clotting in stroke or heart attack patients; however, monitoring and adjusting the dosage is crucial as it can also lead to overdose.
Additionally, some patients may receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which involves the use of aspirin combined with another antiplatelet drug. In terms of drugs targeting excitotoxicity following stroke, despite many developments, clinical trials have largely been unsuccessful due to inefficacy or severe side effects. Blood-thinning drugs may also be used to alleviate the problem post-stroke, with the aim of aiding recovery alongside therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Lastly, controlling high blood pressure is key in the prevention of strokes, so medications to manage hypertension alongside lifestyle changes are crucial for reducing the risk of future strokes.