Which Tablet Is Best for Stroke?

šŸ§  Why Medication Matters After a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). After emergency treatment, medication becomes the front line of defense in preventing another stroke and managing long-term health risks.

Important: Only a doctor can prescribe the right tablet based on your type of stroke and medical history.

šŸ’Š The Most Common Tablets Prescribed After Stroke

1. Antiplatelet Drugs (For Ischemic Stroke Prevention)

These tablets prevent blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form clots.

Best-known options:

  • Aspirin ā€“ the most commonly prescribed antiplatelet

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix) ā€“ often used alone or with aspirin

  • Aspirin + Dipyridamole (Aggrenox) ā€“ a combination tablet for added protection

šŸ‘‰ These are often lifelong medications for stroke prevention.

2. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Used when stroke is caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other clotting conditions.

Common types:

  • Warfarin ā€“ requires frequent blood tests

  • Apixaban (Eliquis)

  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

These newer anticoagulants (called DOACs) are preferred for convenience and fewer side effects.

3. Blood Pressure Tablets (Antihypertensives)

High blood pressure is the #1 cause of stroke. Lowering it significantly reduces future stroke risk.

Popular classes of BP meds:

  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril)

  • ARBs (e.g., Losartan)

  • Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol)

  • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine)

4. Statins (Cholesterol Tablets)

Even if your cholesterol isnā€™t very high, statins reduce plaque buildup and lower stroke risk.

Common statins:

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Simvastatin (Zocor)

They also have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit the brain.

5. Diabetes Medications (If Needed)

If you have type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar with tablets like Metformin can reduce your stroke risk and complications.

āš ļø Do Not Self-Medicate After a Stroke

Always follow your doctorā€™s prescription. Never start or stop stroke medications on your own. They are tailored to your condition, type of stroke, and other risk factors.

āœ‹ Tablets Are Just One Part of Stroke Recovery

While medication is essential, stroke recovery also requires physical and occupational therapyā€”especially for regaining use of your hand and arm.

Thatā€™s where home-based tools like ReHANDā„¢ come in.

šŸ–ļø ReHANDā„¢: A Powerful Rehab Tool After Stroke

If youā€™ve lost hand function after a stroke, ReHANDā„¢ helps restore movement through:

  • Passive and active hand training

  • Mirror therapy to retrain the brain

  • Adjustable intensity levels

  • Compact, easy-to-use at home

Many stroke survivors use tablets and ReHANDā„¢ to manage recovery and prevent long-term disability.

šŸ‘‰ Learn more about ReHANDā„¢

Shop the ReHAND Device and start your recovery journey today.