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Abstract
Background: Pharmacotherapy is commonly given to patients recovering from a stroke to prevent further complications (e.g. recurrent stroke, seizures) or enhance recovery. However, some drugs may have a negative impact on neuroplasticity. Objectives: This review examines currently used drugs that are believed to promote recovery from motor and cognitive disturbances associated with stroke. Methods: Literature regarding the properties, efficacy, safety, and dosing of drugs used to promote recovery after stroke was reviewed. Results: The data on pharmacotherapy are insufficient to support a claim of significantly improved rehabilitation outcomes. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that some agents can impair functional reorganization and slow the recovery process. However, a few chemicals are reported to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation. The most promising are noradrenergic and dopaminergic agents, as well as several growth factors; these should be the future focus of extensive randomized clinical trials. Conclusions: Currently there is no drug with proven efficacy in enhancing poststroke recovery.