Overview: Recent research indicates that amlodipine, a commonly prescribed medication for hypertension, may offer a new approach for alleviating symptoms of ADHD. In a series of experiments, scientists evaluated five drug candidates in rats genetically predisposed to ADHD-like behavior. Remarkably, only amlodipine demonstrated a significant decrease in hyperactivity levels. Subsequent testing on zebrafish corroborated these findings, revealing that the drug also mitigated impulsivity, further validating its potential for ADHD management.

Further investigations showed that amlodipine is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to act on calcium channels implicated in ADHD. A comprehensive review of patient records revealed that those taking amlodipine experienced fewer mood swings and showed reduced tendencies for risk-taking. Given its proven safety and effectiveness, amlodipine may serve as a quicker and safer alternative to existing ADHD therapies.

Essential Information:

• Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier: This study marked the first instance demonstrating that amlodipine can enter the brain and affect ADHD-related neural pathways.
• Targets Calcium Channels Associated with ADHD: Genetic analyses have linked ADHD to specific calcium channels, which are influenced by amlodipine.
• Potential for a Safer Treatment Option: Unlike conventional ADHD medications, amlodipine is well-established, well-tolerated, and presents a lower risk of serious side effects.

Source: University of Surrey

Research highlights amlodipine’s potential as an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, according to a groundbreaking international study from the University of Surrey.

Published in Neuropsychopharmacology, this study examined the effects of five pharmaceutical candidates on rats engineered to display ADHD-like characteristics. Among these candidates, amlodipine emerged as the only one that significantly decreased hyperactivity.

To further assess its effects, the research team examined amlodipine in zebrafish, a model organism that shares roughly 70% of its genes with humans, making it valuable for brain function studies. The findings revealed that amlodipine also lessened hyperactivity and impulsivity in zebrafish, key ADHD symptoms. Further analysis confirmed for the first time that amlodipine can cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling it to directly influence brain function.

Diving deeper, the researchers explored human genetic information and made a crucial discovery: ADHD is associated with calcium channels in the brain, which are targeted by amlodipine. This suggests a new avenue for treating ADHD symptoms.

Additionally, an analysis of UK patient data indicated that individuals on amlodipine experienced fewer mood fluctuations and lower risk-taking behaviors, bolstering its candidacy as a potential ADHD treatment.

Dr. Matthew Parker, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, expressed, “Repurposing amlodipine, a well-known hypertension treatment, paves a promising and swift pathway for addressing ADHD symptoms. Considering its existing approval and safety record, amlodipine could be quickly repositioned as a viable ADHD treatment option, potentially offering much-needed relief for patients.”

Current ADHD medications can be beneficial, but they often come with significant adverse effects such as appetite changes, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and a possible risk of misuse. Amlodipine, already widely available and generally well-tolerated, presents a novel, safer treatment avenue for individuals with ADHD.

With approximately 25% of patients not responding effectively to existing ADHD medications, the demand for innovative treatment strategies is more pressing than ever.

About this Neuropsychopharmacology and ADHD Research

Author: Melanie Battolla
Source: University of Surrey
Contact: Melanie Battolla – University of Surrey
Image: Image credit to Neuroscience News

Original Research: Open access.
“Validation of L-type calcium channel blocker amlodipine as a novel ADHD treatment through cross-species analysis, drug-target Mendelian randomization, and clinical evidence from medical” by Matthew Parker et al. Neuropsychopharmacology

Abstract:

This study explores the validity of amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, as a potential new treatment for ADHD through cross-species analysis, drug-target Mendelian randomization, and clinical data.

ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts life quality. Current treatment options often introduce significant side effects, potential for misuse, and a 25% non-response rate, underscoring the ongoing need for novel therapies.

The research shows that amlodipine reduced hyperactivity in SHR rats and decreased both hyperactivity and impulsivity in adgrl3.1−/− zebrafish. It also effectively crossed the blood-brain barrier, leading to decreased activation in brain areas associated with ADHD.

Crucially, Mendelian Randomization analyses linked ADHD to genetic variations in L-type calcium channel subunits (α1-C; CACNA1C, β1; CACNB1, α2δ3; CACNA2D3) that amlodipine targets, while polygenic risk score assessments indicated symptom improvement in individuals with significant genetic predisposition to ADHD.

Given its well-tolerated nature and efficacy across different species, reinforced by genetic insights, amlodipine demonstrates promising potential as a newly refined treatment option for ADHD.