Eleven RCTs (n=329) were included in the meta-analysis. Trial quality was reported as good overall. All studies had blinded outcome assessments.
Death/ dependency (five trials; n=206): There was no significant difference between amphetamines and control in death/dependency.
Motor impairment (nine trials; n=257) and neurological impairment (two trials; n=67): Amphetamines did not significantly improve motor or neurological scores after stroke.
In stroke patients, amphetamines were associated with a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (WMD 9.29mmHg, 95% CI 3.26 to 15.32), diastolic blood pressure (WMD 5.13mmHg, 95% CI 1.61 to 8.64) and heart rate (WMD 7.61 beats per minute, 95% CI 1.78 to 13.43).
There was no evidence of statistical heterogeneity between the trials or publication bias.