Final answer:
Aspirin is a key medication taken by stroke patients due to its anticoagulant properties. Other important medications include antiplatelet drugs and blood pressure medications to manage post-stroke care and minimize the risk of another stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the medications that might be taken by a patient who has suffered a stroke, Aspirin is a common choice. Aspirin works by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, acting as an anticoagulant and reducing the risk of further strokes by preventing blood clots.
In fact, physicians sometimes recommend low-dose Aspirin therapy to patients at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Another important class of medications are antiplatelet drugs, which like Aspirin, are used to prevent clot formation. Blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers also play a crucial role in managing patients post-stroke to keep blood pressure within a normal range and reduce further risk.
While antidepressants may not be assigned directly for stroke treatment, they can be part of post-stroke care if the patient experiences depression as a result of the stroke.