Treating Schizophrenia With the Diuretic Bumetanide: A Case Report

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2016 Mar-Apr;39(2):115-7. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000136.

Abstract

Administration of the diuretic and NKCC1 chloride cotransporter antagonist bumetanide reduces the severity of autism spectrum disorders in children, and this effect is mediated by a reduction of the elevated intracellular chloride concentrations and a reinforcement of GABAergic inhibition (Lemonnier et al Transl Psychiatry. 2012;2:e202; Tyzio et al Science. 2014;343:675-679). Here, we report that this treatment also reduces the severity of symptoms in an adolescent with schizophrenia. Long-term treatment reduced hallucinations significantly, suggesting that this treatment may also be useful to treat schizophrenia. Further clinical trials and experimental studies are warranted to test this hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bumetanide / therapeutic use*
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Bumetanide