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Research now indicates that a widely used blood pressure medication, taken by millions of people in Britain, might significantly alleviate one of the most disabling symptoms of ADHD.

The medications currently accessible for this condition come with notable adverse effects such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and loss of appetite. Approximately one-quarter of patients do not respond positively to any ADHD drugs.

However, amlodipine, when taken every day, might be equally effective in reducing hyperactivity without causing notable side effects, according to scientists’ beliefs.

The research involving zebrafish — creatures that have 70 percent of their genetic material in common with humans — discovered that amlodipine has the ability to counteract neurons in the brain that emit excessive electrical impulses, leading to overexcitement.

Specialists who deemed the results as ‘promising’ indicated that this medication might provide a more secure therapeutic alternative for individuals suffering from ADHD.

Dr. Matthew Parker, who co-authored the study and is a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Surrey, stated: “Reusing amlodipine, a widely recognized hypertension drug, presents a hopeful and rapid route for tackling ADHD symptoms.”

‘Ours findings suggest that because of its current approved status and proven safety record, amlodipine might quickly be repurposed as an alternative therapy for ADHD, possibly offering assistance to patients faster compared to formulating new drugs.’

Amlodipine, priced at 4p per tablet, is prescribed to individuals suffering from hypertension to help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

It reduces blood pressure through the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, thereby facilitating smoother circulation of blood throughout the body by easing the workload on the heart.

Individuals with ADHD may experience severe symptoms such as trouble focusing, constant fidgeting, and reduced ability to manage impulses.

The group of scientists from

the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Germany


mentioned regarding their recent discoveries: ‘


A substantial primary impact was observed.


with amlodipine


resulting in fewer impulsive reactions in the fish.

Writing in the journal
Neuropsychopharmacology
They also mentioned that this occurred due to amlodipine reducing neuronal activity.

Researchers subsequently studied the impact of amlodipine on British individuals who had already been diagnosed with ADHD.

Leveraging information from the UK Biobank health initiative, researchers found that more than fifty individuals who were using amlodipine also mentioned taking drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD.

These patients reported

fewer fluctuations in mood and reduced tendencies towards risky actions compared to individuals using other blood pressure medications such as ramipril, which is marketed under the brand name Tritace, the researchers noted.

NHS
Statistics indicate that over 230,000 individuals in England are currently receiving this treatment.
ADHD
medications to address their issues with attention and hyperactivity.

Last year saw prescription rates increase by twenty percent, representing the highest yearly jump since contemporary records started in 2015.

The data indicates that this trend is primarily driven by an increase among women in their 20s and 30s, though the rates continue to climb even in children.

Specialists have cautioned that unscrupulous private clinics may be diagnosing this condition excessively and have raised concerns about the common use of potent stimulants for treatment.

The typical side effects associated with these medications—Ritalin being the most recognized among them—encompass restlessness and irritability, sleepiness, lightheadedness, loose stools, as well as queasiness and throwing up.

The rapidly growing market is believed to have been driven by celebrities like the model.
Katie Price
and Love Island star
Olivia Attwood
Discussing their struggles with ADHD and the wait times of up to ten years for an evaluation through the NHS.

Social media platforms abound with users sharing how medications have assisted them in calming down, managing their restlessness, and enhancing their focus.

However, experts contend that ADHD was not until 2008 officially recognized in the UK as an adult-related condition.

Previously, it was considered merely a childhood issue that children would grow out of.

Consequently, instead of being overdiagnosed, several experts argue that numerous adults currently receiving an ADHD diagnosis may have had their symptoms overlooked for many years.

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