Fluoxetine for Motor Recovery After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are the most common deficits caused by stroke. A few small clinical trials suggest that Fluoxetine enhances motor recovery but its clinical efficacy is unknown in our setting. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Neurology and medicine ward of Chittagong Medical College Hospital from 1/1/2013 to 31/12/2013. One hundred and twenty eight patients, aged between 40-60 years with a diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke who fulfilled the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. Eligible patients were randomly assigned, using a simple lottery method, in a 1:1 ratio to Fluoxetine (20 mg once per day, orally) or placebo group for 3 months starting within 10 days after the onset of stroke. The primary outcome was the mean change in the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) score between inclusion (day 0) and day 90. RMI score was significantly changed from D 0 to D 90 in Fluoxetine group in comparison to placebo group (p