in people with myasthenia gravis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe 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>\nDoes scopolamine cause drug abuse or dependency?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile 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>\nCan you overdose on scopolamine?<\/span><\/h3>\nScopolamine 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIs scopolamine safe to take when pregnant?<\/span><\/h3>\nScopolamine 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>\nIs scopolamine safe to take while breastfeeding?<\/span><\/h3>\nScopolamine is present in human breast milk, but there are no studies of its effects on a nursing baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIs scopolamine safe for children?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe 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>\nIs scopolamine safe for seniors?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow to avoid scopolamine side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n1. Tell your prescriber about all medical conditions.<\/span><\/h3>\nPeople 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\n- Glaucoma or a history of glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n
- Narrow angles<\/span><\/li>\n
- History of psychosis<\/span><\/li>\n
- Digestive system problems<\/span><\/li>\n
- History of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n
- Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n
- Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Tell your prescriber about all medications being taken.<\/span><\/h3>\nSome 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\n- Drugs that cause sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Medications used to treat allergies, asthma, urinary incontinence, colds, bowel spasms, or motion sickness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Read the medication guide that comes with scopolamine and use it as directed.<\/span><\/h3>\nThe 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\u2014one patch at a time and only on the area of the skin where you\u2019ve been told to put it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n4. Do not cut the patch.<\/span><\/h3>\nCutting the patch will result in a higher dose absorbed through the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n5. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch.<\/span><\/h3>\nSome 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>\n6. Avoid drinking alcohol.<\/span><\/h3>\nAlcohol will worsen the sedative effects of scopolamine, including dizziness and drowsiness. It will also increase the risk of serious side effects.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to treat side effects of scopolamine\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nMany 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\n- Changes in your mental status<\/span><\/li>\n
- Difficulty urinating<\/span><\/li>\n
- Abdominal pain or cramps<\/span><\/li>\n
- Side effects that start 24 hours after removing the patch<\/span><\/li>\n
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