Researchers herein aimed at evaluating the reported correlation between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and an increased risk of ischemic stroke using different approaches to minimize the potential bias.

• In a Spanish primary health-care database, researchers conducted a nested case-control study including patients sustaining an ischemic stroke with no sign of cardioembolic or unusual cause.

• Up to 5 matched controls (for exact age, gender, and index date) were randomly selected for each case.

• Included were a total of 8,296 cases and 37,272 matched controls.

• Among cases and controls, 255 (3.07%) and 834 (2.24%) individuals were current users of SSRIs, respectively.

• Findings indicated no association of the use of SSRIs with an elevated risk of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke.

• On the contrary, there appeared protective effects of SSRIs when compared with other antidepressants.