Side effects of the scopolamine patch

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In our study, we found no withdrawal symptoms when the scopolamine patch was used for less than 72 hours; the incidence rate of extended use is still unknown. Further studies with a larger population can help refine the results. Patients using the patch need to be made aware of the possibility of withdrawal syndrome, especially when an extended use of the patch is anticipated. No reports of withdrawal from meclizine that is used for motion sickness prophylaxis could be found in a literature search.

Meclizine could be an appropriate first-line choice for motion sickness in patients who have experienced scopolamine withdrawal previously or for patients who need extended motion sickness prevention. However, if meclizine is not adequate, management options for scopolamine patch withdrawal as mentioned should be helpful.

Further research is warranted in the areas of incidence, mechanisms, and treatment. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Journal List Hosp Pharm v. Hosp Pharm.

Published online Mar Steve H. Find articles by Chris VanEaton. Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Corresponding author: Steve H. To the Editor: Scopolamine patch, Tranderm Scop , is marketed by Baxter Healthcare for Novartis for surgical antiemetic control or for the control of motion sickness.

Mechanism Scopolamine acts in the central nervous system CNS by competitively blocking cholinergic transmission and receptor sites from the vestibular nuclei to higher centers in the CNS and from the reticular formation to the vomiting center, which is the proposed mechanism for transdermal scopolamine in the prevention of motion sickness. Case Studies A man used a scopolamine patch on a cruise trip as directed behind his left ear.

Incidences No data were available for the incidence rate of scopolamine withdrawal syndrome. Treatments Meclizine, a piperazine-derivative H 1 -receptor antagonist, possesses anticholinergic activity and is also effective in the treatment of motion sickness. Discussion Case reports of scopolamine withdrawal syndrome appear in the literature as early as References 1. Motion sickness. Curr Opin Neurol. Case studies. Central nervous system supersensitivity to pilocarpine after withdrawal of scopolamine.

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of transdermal scopolamine therapy: Treatment with meclizine. Am J Health Syst Pharm. Meclizine adult monograph Clinical Pharmacology. Saxena K, Saxena S. Scopolamine withdrawal syndrome. Postgrad Med. Support Center Support Center. Scopolamine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance acetylcholine on the central nervous system. Scopolamine comes as a patch to be placed on the hairless skin behind your ear.

When used to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, apply the patch at least 4 hours before its effects will be needed and leave in place for up to 3 days. If treatment is needed for longer than 3 days to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, remove the current patch and apply a new patch behind the other ear.

When used to prevent nausea and vomiting from medications used with surgery, apply the patch as directed by your doctor and leave it in place for 24 hours after your surgery.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use the scopolamine patch exactly as directed. Limit contact with water while swimming and bathing because it may cause the patch may fall off. If the scopolamine patch falls off, discard the patch, and apply a new one on the hairless area behind the other ear.

When the scopolamine patch is no longer needed, remove the patch and fold it in half with the sticky side together and dispose of it. Wash your hands and the area behind your ear thoroughly with soap and water to remove any traces of scopolamine from the area. If a new patch needs to be applied, place a fresh patch on the hairless area behind your other ear. If you have used scopolamine patches for several days or longer, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that could start 24 hours or more after removing the scopolamine patch such as difficulty with balance, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, sweating, headache, confusion, muscle weakness, slow heart rate or low blood pressure.

Call your doctor right away if your symptoms become severe. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Scopolamine patches may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom.

Store patches in an upright position; do not bend or roll them. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.

However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet.