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A ‘water pill’ used to reduce swelling could combat autism, experts claim. New research has revealed that a prescription drug, known as bumetanide, can also improve the symptoms of the developmental disability by boosting signals between neurons.... ….Bumetanide is a type of medicine called a diuretic which is available in the UK and the US and enables patients with cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease to produce more urine and rid the body of surplus fluid and salt. Diuretics are sometimes called “water pills/tablets” because they make you pee more. However, a study has shown that in autistic children it helps...

CHICAGO — Joe Neglia was a retired government intelligence worker with Parkinson's disease (search) when he suddenly developed what he calls a gambling habit from hell. After losing thousands of dollars playing slot machines near his California home several times a day for nearly two years, Neglia stumbled across an Internet report linking a popular Parkinson's drug he used with compulsive gambling. "I thought, 'Oh my God, this must be it,"' he said. Three days after stopping the drug, Mirapex (search), "all desire to gamble just went away completely. I felt like I had my brain back." A Mayo Clinic...