Amlodipine, a drug commonly used against hypertension, could help manage the symptoms of the deficitable attention disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), according to a new study.
- Amlodipine, a drug commonly used against hypertension, could help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
- Researchers have discovered that ADHD is linked to the same calcium channels in the brain as the targets of amlodipine.
- As the drug has already been approved by the authorities, it could be quickly used for ADHD.
Almost 6 % of under 18 and 3 % of adults are affected by attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). These people – who have high levels of inattention and impulsiveness – would be likely to see their difficulties relieved thanks to a well -known medication.
Amlodipine, a treatment commonly used against hypertension, could help manage the symptoms of the neurodevelopment disorder, according to an international study published in the journal NeuropsychopharmacologyFebruary 14, 2025.
ADHD: amlodipine reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity
In order to find ADHD treatment with fewer side effects than those currently recommended, the researchers decided to test five common drugs on rats with ADHD type symptoms.
Amlodipine which is generally prescribed against hypertension is the only one to have significantly reduced disorders linked to hyperactivity. After this discovery, the team decided to specifically study the action of the drug by testing it on zebly fish. This animal shares around 70 % of genes with humans.
Analyzes have shown that amlodipine reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness – the main symptoms of ADHD – in these fish. Another discovery of these tests: the antihypertensive drug is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which means that it can directly influence brain functions.
ADHD and amlodipine: a treatment available potentially quickly
Then analyzing human genetic data, scientists have noticed that ADHD is linked to the same calcium channels in the brain as these targeted by amlodipine. In addition, the study of patients in the UK patients showed that people who took antihypertensive, had fewer mood swings and less risky behavior. An element that once again shows the potential of the drug on ADHD, according to the researchers.
“The use of amlodipine, a well -known drug against hypertension, offers a promising and rapid path to treat ADHD symptoms. Our research indicates that, due to its existing approval and safety profile, amlodipine could be quickly redeployed as an ADHD treatment option, potentially providing relief to patients faster than the development of new drugs”explains in a press release Dr. Matthew Parker who worked on the study.
