A Review of the Rationale and Clinical Utilization of α₂-Adrenoceptor Agonists for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Related Disorders

Abstract

Large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of α2-adrenoceptor agonists as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy with psychostimulants for the symptomatic treatment of ADHD. Future research could reveal whether there are cognitive benefits associated with this drug class and thus further define the role of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of ADHD.

Effects of clonidine and methylphenidate on motor activity in Fmr1 knockout mice

“…For example, the limited data published on the impact of clonidine on ADHD symptomology in those with FXS [40] show mixed results on the impact of the medication [15] and that the drug may be most effective in those under 5 years of age [12]. However, in the typically developing population, clonidine is generally found to be effective at treating ADHD [41]. Although there was a delay in impact of clonidine on Fmr1 KO motor activity, the acute administration of the drug and lack of a full dose-effect curve makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness for this genotype on a chronic phenotype.…”

Learning from the past and looking to the future: Emerging perspectives for improving the treatment of psychiatric disorders

“…They were both authorized by the FDA in 2010, respectively alone and for adjunctive use with stimulants, in comparison to which they are less efficacious, most likely since they lack the D1 receptor component of activity recruited by stimulants (Arnsten, 2006;Connor et al, 2014;Felt et al, 2014;Sallee et al, 2013).…”

α2-Adrenoceptors in the treatment of major neuropsychiatric disorders

“…This finding could be a relevant pathophysiological mechanism in ADHD. Accordingly, these results led to a new rationale for the treatment of ADHD with a 2 -adrenoceptor agonists [32,33].…”