An international study led by the University of Surrey has uncovered a potential new application for amlodipine, a widely used blood pressure medication, in managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers tested several drugs on rats exhibiting ADHD-like symptoms and found that only amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity. Subsequent tests on zebrafish confirmed these findings, demonstrating that amlodipine can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence brain function. Further analysis linked ADHD to calcium channels targeted by amlodipine, suggesting a promising treatment pathway. Patient data from the UK also indicated fewer mood swings and less risk-taking behavior among those taking the drug. This repurposing of amlodipine could offer a faster route to effective ADHD treatment compared to developing entirely new medications.

The exploration of alternative treatments for ADHD has gained momentum due to the limitations and side effects associated with current options. Researchers at the University of Surrey initiated a comprehensive investigation into five potential drugs, focusing on their impact on animals bred to exhibit ADHD-like behaviors. Among these candidates, amlodipine stood out as it not only mitigated hyperactivity in rats but also showed consistent results when tested on zebrafish. Zebrafish, sharing approximately 70% of human genes, are a valuable model for studying brain function. The study revealed that amlodipine effectively crossed the blood-brain barrier, directly influencing neural activity and reducing core ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.

To delve deeper into the mechanism behind this effect, the researchers turned to human genetic data. They discovered a significant link between ADHD and the brain's calcium channels, which are precisely the targets of amlodipine. This connection suggests that amlodipine might modulate these channels, thereby alleviating ADHD symptoms. Moreover, an analysis of patient records across the UK provided compelling evidence that individuals using amlodipine experienced fewer mood swings and reduced risk-taking behaviors—key indicators of improved mental stability. These findings underscore the drug's potential as a safer and more tolerable option for treating ADHD.

Given the challenges posed by existing ADHD medications, including side effects like appetite loss, high blood pressure, headaches, and sleep disturbances, along with the risk of misuse, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. Amlodipine, already approved and widely used for blood pressure management, offers a promising solution. Its established safety profile and effectiveness in preliminary studies suggest that it could be rapidly redeployed to provide relief to ADHD patients. Dr. Matthew Parker, a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of this discovery, highlighting the potential for quicker access to effective treatment without the need for extensive development phases typically required for new drugs.

This innovative approach to repurposing amlodipine represents a significant step forward in ADHD treatment. By leveraging an already-approved medication, researchers hope to address the unmet needs of patients who do not respond well to current therapies. The study's findings pave the way for further clinical trials and potentially a new era in managing ADHD symptoms, offering hope to millions of individuals affected by this condition.