Fluoxetine Versus Citalopram in Improving Post-stroke Motor Function: A Comparative Single-blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: One of the significant concerns of ischemic stroke patients is movement disabilities after stroke. Various drugs have been introduced to reduce these complications. However, the use of antidepressants is still under more studies. Objectives: This study explored the impact of fluoxetine and citalopram on improving motor function following ischemic stroke. Materials & Methods: This study was a single-blind clinical trial conducted on patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke (from January 2021 to July 2022). According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were in one of three groups (fluoxetine, citalopram, placebo). Then, their movement disorder and performance level were evaluated using The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in the first, 30, 60 and 90 days after stroke. Results: Based on our results, all three investigated groups showed significant decreases in the NIHSS scale during 90 days (P=0.018). However, fluoxetine caused the greatest reduction of the three groups. In addition, citalopram significantly lowers lower limb NIHSS in one month and two months compared to fluoxetine and placebo (P=0.003 and P=0.013, respectively). However, when the average NIHSS of the upper limb was examined during 90 days, the investigated drugs did not cause a significant decrease (P=0.253). Conclusion: Considering motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke, fluoxetine and citalopram treatments can be a suitable treatment suggestion to improve the motor status of patients and thus improve their health.

Keywords

• fluoxetine
• citalopram
• stroke
• ischemic stroke
• motor function