Amphetamine and other pharmacological agents in human and animal studies of recovery from stroke

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2015 Source:Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Author(s): D. Walker-Batson , J. Mehta , P. Smith , M. Johnson Neuromodulation with pharmacological agents, including drugs of abuse such as amphetamine, when paired with behavioral experience, has been shown to positively modify outcomes in animal models of stroke. A number of clinical studies have tested the efficacy of a variety of drugs to enhance recovery of language deficit post-stroke. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) present pertinent animal studies supporting the use of dextro-amphetamine sulfate (AMPH) to enhance recovery after experimental lesions with emphasis on the importance of learning dependent activity for lasting recovery; (2) briefly review neuropharmacological explorations in the treatment of aphasia; (3) present a pilot study in aphasia exploring a drug combination of AMPH and donepezil hydrochloride paired with behavioral treatment to facilitate recovery; and (4) conclude with comments regarding the role of adjunctive pharmacotherapy in the rehabilitation of aphasia, particularly AMPH.
Source: Progress in Neuro Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research