Could an antidepressant help stroke survivors regain speech?

NCT ID NCT03843463

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether escitalopram (Lexapro), a common antidepressant, combined with computer-based naming therapy can improve language recovery in people with aphasia after a stroke. About 88 participants who had a left-hemisphere stroke within the past 5 days will receive either escitalopram or a placebo, plus 15 sessions of computer naming treatment starting 2 months after the stroke. The main goal is to see if this combination improves naming ability and overall language production.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Escitalopram (Lexapro) and computer-delivered naming therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to boost language recovery after stroke using a common antidepressant combined with speech therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial, so results may not apply to everyone. Escitalopram can cause side effects like nausea or drowsiness, and the language therapy may not help all participants.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aphasia ischemic stroke stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

APHASIA STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
University of South Carolina
RECRUITING

Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, United States

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