The redefinition of amlodipine, a commonly used blood pressure drug, could help manage attention symptoms of attention disorder/ hyperactivity (ADHD), according to an international study on the University of Surrey.
In a study published in neuropsychopharmacology, the researchers examined five possible medicines in rats ranging to present ADHD symptoms. Among them, only amlodipine, a common blood pressure drug, significantly reduced hyperactivity.
To confirm its results, the group examined amlodipine in Zebrafish, an important model for studying brain function that shares about 70% of genes with humans. The results showed that amlodipine also reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity – the symptoms of ADHD – in these fish. Further analysis of the fish revealed that amlodipine crosses the blood -brain barrier for the first time, which means that it can directly affect brain function.
The researchers then turned to human genetic data and found that, notably, ADHD is associated with the same calcium channels in the brain as targets for amlodipine. This indicates a possible target brain route for treatments. Finally, an analysis of patient data across the United Kingdom showed that people who received amlodipine reported fewer changes in mood and less risk -taking behavior, further supporting its potential as a new ADHD treatment.
Restore amlodipine, a well -established blood pressure drug, offers a very promising and fast path to treat ADHD symptoms. Our research shows that, due to existing approval and safety profiles, amlodipine could be quickly reshaped as an ADHD treatment option, possibly providing relief to patients earlier than developing new drugs. “
Dr. Matthew Parker, co-author of the study, Surrey University
Current ADHD medicines are effective but come with significant side effects: from loss of appetite, high blood pressure, headaches and sleep disorders and have a risk of abuse. Amlodipine, which is already widely used and well tolerated, could offer a new, safer treatment option for ADHD.
About 25% of patients do not respond well to any current ADHD drug, underlining the urgent need for new treatment options.
Source:
Magazine report:
Þorsteinsson, h., et al. (2025). Validation of the lube lubic inhibitor as new ADHD treatment through intersectional analysis, mendelian randomization and clinical data from medical records. Neuropsychopharmacology. Doi.org/10.1038/S41386-025-02062 -X.
