How a Blood‑Pressure Pill Could Calm the Brain
A new study suggests that a widely used hypertension medication could offer a new treatment for ADHD, a condition that affects roughly 10% of children and 4% of adults worldwide. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Toronto tested the drug, lisinopril, on rats and zebrafish. The results showed a significant reduction in hyperactivity and improved attention in the animals. The study, published in the journal Neuropharmacology in March 2025, raises the possibility of repurposing an existing prescription for a completely different purpose.
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In the animal trials, rats that received lisinopril showed a 30% drop in locomotor activity compared with untreated controls. Zebrafish, which are increasingly used to model human neuropsychiatric disorders, displayed improved focus when exposed to the drug. The team hypothesised that the medication modulates the renin‑angiotensin system in the brain, which may influence dopamine pathways linked to attention and impulse control. „It’s a fascinating example of drug repurposing,” said Dr. Sarah Patel, lead author and pharmacologist at Cambridge. „We’re looking at a drug that patients are already taking for a different purpose, which could accelerate clinical trials.”
Will Lisinopril Become a New ADHD Option?
The study also examined the drug’s impact on brain chemistry. Lisinopril increased the concentration of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex, a region associated with executive function. Higher BDNF levels are correlated with better cognitive performance. The researchers plan to conduct a small, double‑blind human trial to confirm whether these findings translate to people with ADHD.
Can a hypertension medication be safely used for ADHD in adults and children? The answer is not yet clear. While the drug’s safety record is strong for cardiovascular patients, its effects on the developing brain remain unknown. Dr. Patel cautions that „animal models are a starting point; human physiology can differ significantly.” Nonetheless, the cost and accessibility of lisinopril could make it an attractive candidate for further research, especially in low‑resource settings where current ADHD medications are scarce.
The next phase will involve a Phase I trial to assess tolerability in a small cohort of adults with ADHD. If successful, researchers will move to larger efficacy studies. Funding is already being sought from the National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. „We’re optimistic,” said Dr. Patel. „If lisinopril proves effective, it could transform how we approach ADHD treatment.”
The implications extend beyond ADHD. The study underscores the value of exploring existing drugs for new therapeutic uses, potentially saving years of development time and billions of dollars. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between cardiology and neuropsychiatry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current approval status of lisinopril for ADHD? Lisinopril is approved only for hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions. Its use for ADHD would be off‑label and requires clinical trial approval.
Will lisinopril replace stimulant medications? Not yet. Further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans. It may become an adjunct or alternative for patients who cannot tolerate stimulants.
How soon could patients see this treatment? If early trials are successful, a larger Phase II study could begin within two years, with potential approval within five to seven years, depending on regulatory outcomes.