Can Prozac help in the treatment of difficult swallowing in patients with stroke?

This study investigated whether fluoxetine (Prozac) improves dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) after stroke. Researchers suggested that this therapy improves swallowing function in patients who had a stroke.

A stroke consists of poor blood flow to the brain which results in the death of brain cells. This can be due to a blocked vein or due to bleeding. They result in part of the brain not functioning properly. Complications after a stroke can go from one side paralysis (inability to move) to difficulty in swallowing.

Between 37-78% of patients with stroke have trouble in swallowing. This complication can result in lungs infections, malnourishment, and dehydration. Despite the rehabilitation therapies, many stroke patients continue to have impaired swallowing.

Currently, there are no medications to treat this side effect and research studies are limited. However, some studies have described fluoxetine as a potential therapy for patients with this complication. Fluoxetine has been shown to increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood, a molecule which protects the brain cells. However, it is still not clear how this therapy can help patients with stroke.

This study included information about 159 patients with stroke. 49 patients received fluoxetine treatment and 110 patients did not (control group). Patients’ blood was collected at weeks 1 and 3 after the start of the treatment to measure BDNF. Swallowing function was evaluated through questionnaires.

A greater improvement in swallowing was seen in the treatment group when compared to the control group. No differences were seen between both groups in BDNF blood levels.

This study suggests that treatment with fluoxetine in patients with stroke may improve their swallowing function.

This study had a limited number of patients and a short follow-up period. Larger studies are still necessary.