A widely used and well-tolerated calcium channel blocker medication typically used to treat hypertension could offer a new and safer treatment option for persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation that are greater than expected for an individual’s age and development level. It is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, but the symptoms can carry over into adulthood.
The disorder can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including academic and professional achievements, personal relationships, and daily functioning.
Medications that are currently used to treat ADHD can often have unwanted side effects, such as high blood pressure, headaches, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances.
In a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers at the University of Surrey found that amlodipine, a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure, significantly reduced hyperactivity in rats that were bred to exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, Science Daily reported.
Next, the researchers tested the drug on zebrafish, which share about 70% of genes with humans. The results showed that amlodipine reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity in the fish. A post-mortem analysis of the fish showed that the drug can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly affect brain function.
By reviewing human genetic data, the researchers discovered that ADHD is associated with the same calcium channels in the brain that the amlodipine targets. Calcium channels are transmembrane proteins that allow calcium ions to enter into a cell.
Additionally, an analysis of patients in the UK who take amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and less risk-taking behavior, providing additional support for the drug’s potential as a new treatment for ADHD.
“Repurposing amlodipine, a well-established blood pressure medication, offers a promising and swift pathway to address ADHD symptoms,” stated Dr. Matthew Parker, the co-author of the study. “Our research indicates that, due to its existing approval and safety profile, amlodipine could be rapidly redeployed as a treatment option for ADHD, potentially providing relief to patients sooner than developing new medications.”
According to the reporter from Science Daily, approximately 25% of patients do not respond well to the current ADHD treatment options available, highlighting the need for new therapies and treatments for these patients.