Antidepressants and Strokes

Did you know that some antidepressants have been associated with a rare stroke causing syndrome called the Call-Fleming Syndrome? This syndrome, which is also known as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction (RCV), is caused by potent spasms of the walls of blood vessels in the brain, which prevent normal blood flow, and in some instances, cause permanent damage from stroke.

Although the role that antidepressants such as venlafaxine and paroxetine play in these blood vessel spasms is still not known, there have been several reports of such cases in which people first suffer a terrible headache, much like that reported by people with ruptured aneurysms, and go on to develop symptoms of stroke. RCV is usually diagnosed in the hospital using a cerebral angiogram in which the blood vessels of the brain are visualized.

RCV is more likely to happen to young women, and to women with a history of migraine headaches.

Other medications thought to play a role in inducing this syndrome include some anti-migraine medicines as well as drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and amphetamines. The use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and injuries to the carotid artery, such as in carotid artery dissection are thought to increase the risk of developing RCV.

Recommended reading:
Drugs and Alcohol Can Cause Strokes
Who is at Risk of Stroke?
Six Easy Tips to Stay Stroke Free