A Common Blood Pressure Medication May Help Treat Symptoms of ADHD

Amlodipine (Norvasc; Pfizer), a blood pressure medication, was efficacious and well-tolerated in preclinical models for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers’ findings may support continued studies, leading to a potential, novel treatment to help manage ADHD symptoms.

Amlodipine tablets | Image Credit: © Ming - stock.adobe.com

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and persists throughout life, affecting a person’s ability to navigate daily responsibilities, including academic and professional tasks. It manifests differently among individuals, with symptoms generally falling into 3 categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The intensity and visibility of symptoms can also fluctuate based on environmental factors and situational demands.¹

Traditional treatment for ADHD includes stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin; Novartis), which have demonstrated significant success in real-world treatment of patients, as well as non-stimulants like viloxazine (Qelbree; Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc). Patients may also utilize behavioral therapy or executive function coaching, as well as integrating healthy lifestyle habits. However, there is always a need for innovation and alternative options that offer patients more agency and options when receiving treatment for ADHD. Additionally, stimulants do have adverse effects such as appetite loss, high blood pressure, headaches, and sleep disturbance, as well as a potential for misuse.^1,2

In a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers explored the potential of amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, as a foundation for novel ADHD therapies. Of the 5 drugs they tested, only amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity.^2,3

To assess its effects, researchers tested amlodipine in zebrafish, a widely used model for studying brain function due to their genetic similarity to humans, sharing about 70% of genes. The results showed that amlodipine reduced both hyperactivity and impulsivity—2 core symptoms of ADHD. Further analysis confirmed that amlodipine crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to directly influence brain function.^2,3

The team then turned to human genetic data and found a striking link between ADHD and the same calcium channels targeted by amlodipine (α1-C; CACNA1C, β1; CACNB1, α2δ3; CACNA2D3), suggesting a relevant pathway for treatment. Additionally, a UK-wide patient data analysis revealed that individuals taking amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and reduced risk-taking behavior, further supporting its potential therapeutic benefits. Given its tolerability, cross-species efficacy, and strong genetic evidence, amlodipine presents a promising avenue for developing novel ADHD treatments.^2,3

"Repurposing amlodipine, a well-established blood pressure medication, offers a promising and swift pathway to address ADHD symptoms,” Matthew Parker, MD, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, said in a news release. “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."³

REFERENCES

1. ADHD stimulant dispensing decreased over the past decade, study finds. Pharmacy Times. February 4, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/adhd-stimulant-dispensing-decreased-over-the-past-decade-study-finds

2. Blood pressure drug could be a safer alternative for treating ADHD symptoms, finds study. News Release. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074249

3. Þorsteinsson H, Baukmann H.A., Sveinsdóttir H.S., et al. 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 records. Neuropsychopharmacol. February 14, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41386-025-02062-x