A new study suggests that a common blood pressure drug, amlodipine, could be repurposed to help treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This international research, which included scientists from the University of Surrey, shows that amlodipine may offer a safer and more accessible alternative to current ADHD medications.
The findings were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology. Researchers began by testing five different drugs in rats bred to show ADHD-like behavior. Only amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity in these animals.
To confirm these results, the team also tested the drug in zebrafish — a species often used in brain research due to its genetic similarities with humans. In zebrafish, amlodipine not only reduced hyperactivity but also helped control impulsivity, which are two key symptoms of ADHD.
The researchers found that amlodipine can cross the blood-brain barrier — a protective layer that blocks many drugs from entering the brain — meaning it has the ability to directly affect brain function. This was the first time this effect had been shown for amlodipine.
To dig deeper, the team analyzed human genetic data and found that ADHD is linked to the same calcium channels in the brain that amlodipine targets. These calcium channels may be key to understanding and treating the disorder.
Additionally, a review of patient data across the UK showed that individuals taking amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and engaged in less risk-taking behavior, further supporting the drug’s potential use in ADHD treatment.
Dr. Matthew Parker from the University of Surrey, a co-author of the study, explained that repurposing an already approved drug like amlodipine could speed up the process of making new treatments available.
“Because amlodipine is already well-studied and widely used, it offers a fast-track option for treating ADHD. We could potentially help patients much sooner than if we had to develop an entirely new medication,” he said.
Current ADHD medications, including stimulants, can be effective but often cause side effects such as loss of appetite, high blood pressure, headaches, and trouble sleeping. They also carry a risk of misuse. Since amlodipine is already proven to be safe for long-term use in treating high blood pressure, it might offer a better option with fewer risks.
This research is particularly important because about one in four people with ADHD don’t respond well to any existing medication. That makes finding new, effective, and safe treatment options a top priority for doctors and patients.
While more studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings, the early results are encouraging and open the door for clinical trials that could lead to new treatments for ADHD using a drug that’s already available.
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