Common blood pressure medications may help treat ADHD symptoms

The blood pressure drug amlodipine (Norvasc; Pfizer) was effective and well tolerated in a preclinical model for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers' findings support continued research and could lead to potential new treatments to manage symptoms of ADHD.

Amlodipine Tablets | Image Credit: ©Ming -Stock.adobe.com

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and lasts for life, affecting a person's ability to navigate daily responsibilities, including academic and professional tasks. It appears differently between individuals, and symptoms generally fall into three categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity and carelessness. Symptom intensity and visibility can vary based on environmental factors and situational requirements.¹

Traditional treatments for ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate (ritalin; novartis). These have shown significant success in actual treatment of patients and include non-stimulants such as biloxazine (Qelbree; Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc). Patients can also utilize behavioral therapy and executive function coaching, as well as integrate healthy lifestyle habits. However, when receiving treatment for ADHD, innovation and alternative options are always needed to provide patients with more institutions and options. Furthermore, stimulants have negative effects such as loss of appetite, hypertension, headaches, and sleep disorders.^1,2

In research published in Neuropsychopharmacologyresearchers investigated the potential of Amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, as the basis for novel ADHD therapies. Of the five drugs they tested, only amlodipine reduced hyperactivity significantly.^2,3

To assess its effectiveness, researchers tested amlodipine in zebrafish, which is widely used to study brain function due to genetic similarity with humans, and shared about 70% of the genes. did. The results showed that amlodipine reduces both hyperactivity and impulsivity. Two-core symptoms of ADHD. Further analysis confirmed that amlodipine can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly affect brain function.^2,3

The team then turned to human genetic data, finding a prominent link between ADHD and the same calcium channel targeted by amlodipine (α1-C; CACNA1C, β1; CACNB1, α2Δ3; CACNA2D3) and the treatment suggests a related pathway for Furthermore, patient data analysis across the UK revealed that individuals taking amlodipine report less mood variability and reduced risk-taking behavior, further supporting potential therapeutic benefits. Ta. Given its tolerability, heterologous efficacy and strong genetic evidence, amlodipine presents a promising pathway for developing new ADHD treatments.^2,3

“Reuse of amlodipine, an established blood pressure drug, provides a promising and rapid route to dealing with symptoms of ADHD,” Dr. Matthew Parker, co-author of the University of Surrey study, news release It is stated in. Existing approval and safety profiles indicate that Amlodipine may be rapidly relocated as a treatment option for ADHD, providing relief to patients more quickly. Rather than developing new drugs. ”³

reference

1. ADHD stimulant distribution has decreased over the past decade, the study found. The age of pharmacies. February 4th, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/adhd-stimulant-dispensing-decreaded-the-past-decade-study-finds

2. Blood pressure medications could be a safer alternative to treating symptoms of ADHD, research finds. News Release. February 20th, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074249

3. Validation of L-type calcium channel blocker amlodipine as a novel ADHD treatment through orsteinsson H, Baukmann HA, SveinsdóttirHS, et al heterologous analysis, randomization of drug target Mendel, and clinical evidence from medical records. Neuropsychotic drugs. February 14, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41386-025-02062-x