Could an antidepressant help stroke survivors regain speech?
NCT ID NCT03843463
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGColumbia, South Carolina, 29208, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••