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Research now suggests 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 side effects such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and loss of appetite. Approximately one-fourth of patients do not respond positively to any ADHD drugs.
However, amlodipine, when taken every day, might be equally effective in reducing hyperactivity with minimal notable side effects, according to scientists' beliefs.
The research conducted on zebrafish — creatures that have 70 percent of their genetic material in common with humans — revealed that amlodipine has the capability to counteract neurons in the brain that emit excessive electrical impulses, leading to overexcitement.
Specialists who deemed the results as 'encouraging' mentioned that this medication might provide a novel, less risky therapy choice 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: "Repositioning amlodipine, a widely recognized hypertension drug, presents a hopeful and rapid route to tackle ADHD symptoms."
'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.'
Amlodipine, which costs 4p per tablet, is given to patients with high blood pressure to prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
It lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
People with ADHD can suffer debilitating symptoms including difficulty paying attention, restlessness and poorer impulse control.
The group of investigators from The UK, Iceland, and Germany stated regarding their recent discoveries: ' A notable primary impact was observed. with amlodipine resulting in a decrease of impulsive behaviors 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.
Utilizing information from the UK Biobank health study, researchers found that more than 50 individuals above the age of 50 who were using amlodipine also mentioned taking drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD.
These patients reported Fewer mood fluctuations and reduced risk-taking behavior compared to individuals taking 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 undertaking this. ADHD medications to address their lack of focus and overactivity.
Last year saw prescription rates increase by twenty percent, indicating the largest yearly jump since contemporary records started in 2015.
Data suggests it has largely been fuelled by a rise in women in their 20s and 30s, although rates are still increasing in kids.
Experts have warned rogue private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition and have questioned the widespread prescribing of powerful stimulant drugs to treat it.
Common side effects of such drugs — of which the most well-known is Ritalin — include agitation and aggression, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhoea and nausea and vomiting.
The booming market is thought to have been fuelled by celebrities such as model Katie Price and Love Island star Olivia Attwood talking about their ADHD ordeal and waits of up to ten years for an assessment on the NHS.
Social media sites are also full of users telling how medication helped to calm them down, control their fidgeting and boost their concentration.
But experts have also argued that ADHD was only officially listed in the UK as a disorder that affects adults in 2008.
Before then, it was just recognised as a childhood problem that kids grew out of.
As a result, rather than being over diagnosed, some experts claim many adults now being told they have ADHD have gone years having their symptoms dismissed.
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