Medications
Medications play an important role in treating stroke and TIA and in preventing further events. Where a stroke or TIA has been diagnosed or suspected it is normal to take preventative medications for life. We will check your medication at each appointment. Different people may need different medications, but there are four common types of treatment:
- Medications to reduce the ‘stickiness’ of blood (antiplatelets), such as Aspirin or Clopidogrel.
- Medications to ‘thin’ the blood (anticoagulants), such as Warfarin or Apixaban. These are often prescribed after a diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm).
- Medications to lower blood pressure, such as Amlodipine or Ramipril. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for having a stroke. There are five main types of blood pressure medication; taking a small dose of several different blood pressure lowering tablets generally achieves good control with fewer side effects than taking a large dose of just one medication.
- Medications to reduce cholesterol. Cholesterol reduction is important because fatty deposits can narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. Statins are the most common.
Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol have been found to be beneficial after TIA or stroke even if your results are normal.
After seeing you we inform your GP of any changes recommended or made to your medications. Your GP can add these to a repeat prescription. If you have to pay prescription charges, and you need to take regular medications, you could save money by buying a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC). Forms are available from GP surgeries, online or by telephoning 0300 330 1341.