{"id":62308,"date":"2023-12-27T10:21:42","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T15:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62308"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:19:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:19:58","slug":"scopolamine-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/scopolamine-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Scopolamine side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (skoe-poe-luh-meen) is a prescription drug that treats motion sickness and prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting. It&rsquo;s only available as an extended-release transdermal patch that is worn behind the ear. Whether you purchase the generic version or the brand name, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/transderm-scop\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transderm Scop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it slowly releases the drug through the skin into the bloodstream for up to three days. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic, a type of drug that blocks nerve signals from the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the part of the brain that produces nausea.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of scopolamine&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the most common side effect of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/scopolamine\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scopolamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was dry mouth, which was reported in 29% of participants and is common when taking anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other, less common side effects of scopolamine are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushed skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion and memory loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pupil dilation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Application site reactions, such as rash, burning, or itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of these side effects, such as confusion, flushed skin, and agitation, are signs of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticholinergic poisoning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may be due to improper administration of the patch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of scopolamine&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the scopolamine patch is visual impairment. Scopolamine and other anticholinergics relax certain muscles throughout the body, including the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle in the eye that controls the shape of the lens<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As a result, the eyes can&rsquo;t focus well, causing blurry vision. In clinical trials, visual impairment was reported in 5% of trial participants taking scopolamine and 3% of participants taking a harmless placebo. Scopolamine can also dilate the pupils in about 4% of patients, but this is likely due to people getting the drug on their hands when applying the patch and touching their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most severe, long-term side effect of scopolamine is angle-closure <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/glaucoma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glaucoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it only happens in people with an eye condition called narrow angles. Angle-closure glaucoma is a rapid buildup in eye pressure when the angle between the iris and the lens closes up. Fluid in the back of the eye cannot flow to the front of the eye where it drains, so fluid builds up quickly and can damage the retina. Without prompt treatment, narrow-angle glaucoma could result in chronic or lifelong complications, such as blindness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"scopolamine-and-seizures\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine and seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drug information sites list seizures as a possible serious side effect of scopolamine. This is based on one study that found a substantial increase in seizures in Medicaid patients. However, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">later study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disproved the connection by looking at patients&rsquo; medical records. Seizures are no longer considered to be a side effect of scopolamine, but healthcare providers may be cautious about prescribing the drug to people with a history of seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-soon-do-scopolamine-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do scopolamine side effects start?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scopolamine patch gradually releases scopolamine through the skin. As a result, it takes about four hours for scopolamine to be detectable in the bloodstream. That&rsquo;s the soonest people can expect to experience side effects if the patch is applied correctly. Most of the side effects happen early. Delayed side effects are not well-known because the patch is intended for occasional, one-time use.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-scopolamine-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do scopolamine side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine side effects may last for as long as the drug is in the bloodstream. The patch is intended only for occasional and limited use: one to three days. Once the patch is removed, the scopolamine in the bloodstream has a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half-life<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 9.5 hours, which is the time it takes for the drug in the body to be reduced by half. The drug will fall to undetectable levels within two days. Side effects should clear up by then.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of scopolamine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects due to long-term use of scopolamine are unlikely. Scopolamine is only intended for occasional, short-term use for traveling or surgery. Continual use can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"scopolamine-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All anticholinergic drugs can cause problems when combined with certain other types of drugs. According to the prescription drug label, these drug interactions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Central nervous system (CNS) depressants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine can increase the sedative effects and other side effects of CNS depressants, such as sleep aids, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/benzodiazepines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opioids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/muscle-relaxants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle relaxants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antidepressants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, alcohol, and cannabis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other anticholinergic drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When scopolamine is used with other anticholinergic drugs, the combination can increase the likelihood and severity of anticholinergic adverse effects, such as dry mouth, dry skin, urinary retention, blurred vision, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oral drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: All anticholinergic drugs can slow down the emptying of the stomach, so medicines taken orally are exposed to stomach acid for a longer time. This may significantly reduce the amount of drug absorbed into the body, making oral drugs less effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cholinergic agents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs used to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/alzheimers-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/myasthenia-gravis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and angle-closure glaucoma have the opposite effect of anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine, so the two types of drugs may cancel out each other&rsquo;s effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Glucagon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/glucagon-emergency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucagon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Scopolamine should be avoided for people who need glucagon because of the risk that the digestive system will slow down too much.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using scopolamine&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not mandated any boxed warnings for scopolamine, there are a few safety measures to be aware of when using the patches.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-never-take-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should never take scopolamine?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine is never given to people with angle-closure glaucoma, pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, and anyone who has had an allergic reaction to scopolamine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-use-caution-with-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should use caution with scopolamine?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of potential side effects or serious adverse events, healthcare professionals use caution when prescribing scopolamine to anyone with the following conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kidney or liver disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The risks of scopolamine for people with kidney dysfunction or liver impairment are unknown.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Narrow angles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with narrow angles are at a higher risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gastrointestinal obstruction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine slows down the muscles in the digestive system, so someone with a gastrointestinal obstruction may experience worsening symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heart disease or heartbeat irregularities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine speed up the heart, so caution is used in people with cardiac disease or heart arrhythmias.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Urinary retention<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Scopolamine can slow down the muscles in the bladder and worsen the symptoms of urinary retention.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>History of psychosis or schizophrenia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Scopolamine can bring on psychotic symptoms or worsen existing psychosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Myasthenia gravis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">might have unpredictable effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people with myasthenia gravis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scopolamine patch should be removed before an MRI, or it may cause skin burns. Scopolamine should not be taken before a stomach secretion test because it will interfere with the test results.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"does-scopolamine-cause-drug-abuse-or-dependency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does scopolamine cause drug abuse or dependency?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is no risk of drug abuse, scopolamine can cause physical dependency if used continuously day after day. In those cases, discontinuation of scopolamine can cause withdrawal symptoms about 24 hours after the patch is taken off. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough to require emergency medical treatment. These symptoms include dizziness, imbalance, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, confusion, weakness, abdominal cramping, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-overdose-on-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you overdose on scopolamine?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine is administered as a transdermal patch, so overdose is unlikely but possible. It could be a result of using more than one patch or cutting the patch before applying it, as this could cause more of the drug to be absorbed. A scopolamine overdose can cause a serious condition called anticholinergic toxicity. Symptoms of overdose include dry mouth, dry skin, skin flushing, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, lethargy, sleepiness, vision changes, increased or irregular heart rate, and high blood pressure. If too much scopolamine is taken or if there are symptoms of an overdose, remove the patch immediately. Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-scopolamine-safe-to-take-when-pregnant\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is scopolamine safe to take when pregnant?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine is not known to hurt the fetus or cause a miscarriage or congenital disabilities. However, it may cause eclamptic seizures in women with preeclampsia, so scopolamine should be used cautiously by women with preeclampsia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-scopolamine-safe-to-take-while-breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is scopolamine safe to take while breastfeeding?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine is present in human breast milk, but there are no studies of its effects on a nursing baby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-scopolamine-safe-for-children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is scopolamine safe for children?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA has not approved scopolamine as either safe or effective in children and teens younger than 18 years of age. Keep scopolamine transdermal patches out of the reach of children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-scopolamine-safe-for-seniors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is scopolamine safe for seniors?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA advises healthcare professionals to use caution when prescribing scopolamine to people 65 years and older. Clinical reports have shown that older adults are more likely to experience side effects, such as confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, and withdrawal symptoms, than younger adults.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-scopolamine-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid scopolamine side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"1-tell-your-prescriber-about-all-medical-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell your prescriber about all medical conditions.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with certain pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to experience side effects, including serious side effects. Inform the prescriber about all past and current medical conditions, particularly:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma or a history of glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narrow angles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of psychosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive system problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2-tell-your-prescriber-about-all-medications-being-taken\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Tell your prescriber about all medications being taken.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drug interactions can increase the risk or severity of scopolamine side effects, so tell your prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements being taken, particularly:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs that cause sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications used to treat allergies, asthma, urinary incontinence, colds, bowel spasms, or motion sickness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"3-read-the-medication-guide-that-comes-with-scopolamine-and-use-it-as-directed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Read the medication guide that comes with scopolamine and use it as directed.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The medication guide has useful guidelines for the proper application of the patch, possible side effects, and what to do if certain side effects occur. Use it only as directed&mdash;one patch at a time and only on the area of the skin where you&rsquo;ve been told to put it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-do-not-cut-the-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Do not cut the patch.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cutting the patch will result in a higher dose absorbed through the skin.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-wash-your-hands-after-applying-or-removing-the-patch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the side effects are due to people getting scopolamine on their hands while applying the patch. From there, the medicine can be spread to the eyes or mouth and cause side effects. Always wash your hands after putting the patch on and taking it off, especially if you touch the sticky side of the patch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-avoid-drinking-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Avoid drinking alcohol.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol will worsen the sedative effects of scopolamine, including dizziness and drowsiness. It will also increase the risk of serious side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-scopolamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of scopolamine&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the side effects of scopolamine are minor and temporary, but some may require medical attention. Most can be fixed by removing the patch. Call the prescriber or other healthcare professional if you experience side effects, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in your mental status<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain or cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects that start 24 hours after removing the patch<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision or dilated pupils<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get immediate medical care if the following symptoms occur:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye pain, swelling, or vision changes in one eye<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of pre-eclampsia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe side effects that occur 24 hours after removing the patch<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-scopolamine-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is scopolamine safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scopolamine has benefits and risks, so people prescribed scopolamine patches should discuss the possible risks with the prescribing healthcare provider. When used occasionally and applied safely, scopolamine can be a powerful anti-nausea drug that&rsquo;s safe to use in some people. However, be cautious about using scopolamine day after day because of the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. Other treatment options are available if continual treatment for motion sickness is needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scopolamine (skoe-poe-luh-meen) is a prescription drug that treats motion sickness and prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting. It&rsquo;s only available as an extended-release transdermal patch that is worn behind the ear. Whether you purchase the generic version or the brand name, Transderm Scop, it slowly releases the drug through the skin into the bloodstream for up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":62310,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-62308","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Scopolamine side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dry mouth is a common but mild scopolamine side effect. 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