Summary: A innovative research suggests that amlodipine, a commonly used blood pressure medication, may help manage ADHD symptoms. Scientists tested five prospective drugs in animals bred for ADHD-like behaviors, and just amlodipine significantly reduced restlessness. Follow-up research in fish showed that the medicine also decreased hyperactivity, confirming its impact on ADHD symptoms.
Amlodipine crosses the blood-brain challenge and targets potassium channels associated with ADHD, according to further research. Amlodipine users also reported fewer mood swings and fewer risk-taking actions, according to a review of client information. Given its formed safety status, amlodipine may offer a faster, safer alternative to existing ADHD solutions.
Important Facts:
- Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier: Amlodipine was shown for the first time to enter the brain and affect ADHD-related processes.
- Goals ADHD-Linked Calcium Programs: Genetic analysis linked ADHD to the same potassium channels affected by amlodipine.
- Possible Safer Alternative: Unlike recent ADHD drugs, amlodipine is frequently used, well-tolerated, and less likely to cause serious side effects.
Origin: University of Surrey
Repurposing amlodipine, a commonly used blood pressure medicine, could help manage attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) symptoms, according to an international study involving the University of Surrey.  ,
In a research published in , Neuropsychopharmacology, experts tested five ability drugs in animals bred to show ADHD-like symptoms. Among them, just amlodipine, a popular blood pressure medication, drastically reduced hyperactivity.  ,
The team tested amlodipine in fish, an important concept for studying mental work that shares about 70 % of genes with people, to confirm its results.
The research revealed that amlodipine reduced these fish’s primary indicators of ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Amlodipine, for the first time, crosses the blood-brain challenge, allowing it to directly affect brain function, according to additional research of the fish.  ,
The scientists then looked at individual genetic information and discovered that, surprisingly, ADHD is linked to the same brain’s potassium channels as amlodipine’s goals. This suggests a potential target mental region for treatment.
Finally, an examination of UK-wide patient data revealed that those taking amlodipine reported fewer feeling moves and less risk-taking behavior, further demonstrating its ability as a novel ADHD treatment.  ,
Dr Matthew Parker, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, said:  ,
” Deconstructing amlodipine, a well-established blood pressure medication, offers a tempting and swift road to tackle ADHD symptoms.
Our research indicates that because of its current acceptance and security profile, amlodipine may be quickly switched to another medication to treat ADHD, probably easing the suffering of patients faster than the creation of new ones. ”  ,
Recent ADHD medications work well, but they have some negative side effects, such as stomach loss, high blood pressure, problems, and sleep disturbances, and are susceptible to use. Amlodipine, which is already widely used and well-tolerated, may offer a new, safer therapy option for ADHD.  ,  ,
The urgent need for new treatment options is highlighted by the fact that about 25 % of people do not respond well to any of the available ADHD medications.  ,
About this information about ADHD and neuropsychopharmacology
Author: Melanie Battolla
Source: University of Surrey
Contact: Melanie Battolla – University of Surrey
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Start exposure.
” Validation of L-type calcium channel catcher amlodipine as a book ADHD treatment through cross-species research, drug-target Mendelian sampling, and scientific evidence from health” by Matthew Parker et al. Neuroscience
Abstract
Validation of L-type calcium channel catcher amlodipine as a book ADHD treatment through cross-species research, drug-target Mendelian sampling, and medical information from health
ADHD is a severe developmental disorder that significantly affects living outcomes, and existing treatments often have adverse side effects, large abuse potential, and a 25 % non-response rate, highlighting the need for fresh therapeutics.
This study looks at the potential use of amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, as a foundation for the development of a novel ADHD treatment by incorporating findings from animal models and human genetic data.
Amlodipine reduced hyperactivity in SHR rats and decreased both hyperactivity and impulsivity in , adgrl3.1−/ − zebrafish. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, reducing telencephalic activation.
Crucially, Mendelian Randomization analysis linked ADHD to genetic variations in L-type calcium channel subunits ( α1-C, CACNA1C, β1, CACNB1, α2δ3, CACNA2D3 ) targeted by amlodipine, while polygenic risk score analysis showed symptom mitigation in individuals with high ADHD genetic liability.
Amlodipine has the potential to be refined and developed into a novel treatment for ADHD, thanks to its well-tolerated profile and efficacy across species and supported by genetic evidence.
