Scopolamine Patch

[Cherei]

I recently went on a a 7 day cruise and wore the scopolamine patch from the first day and changed at 3 days.  A total of 2 patches.  I removed the patch the day I got home within 24 hours of removal I became very ill vomiting and nauseated.  This continured throughout the next day.  I called the Dr. and she told me to take dramamine.  I remembered I had one patch left so I applied the patch again.  Within 3 hours I was feeling better and that next day began to feel better.  I wore the patch for 3 days and then removed the patch again.  Within 24 hours became violently ill again.  At this time I didn't give much thought to the patch and medication content.  So I called the Dr. for more patches.  I then reapplied the patch and again began feeling better in a few hours.  In the mean time I saw a ENT he said I needed to get off the patch so my body would normalize on its own, and believed I had some motion sickness yet brought on by the cruise and did not know how long it would last.  I then removed the patch a 3rd. time and again became very sick, nausea and vomiting the first 24 hours.  The second day I am still light headed and nauseated but and taking phenergan to help with the nausea.  The third day which is today am still having to take phenergan for the nausea.  I also have experienced headaches with these symptoms.  Can you give me any inisight?  From my research on the internet and my own experience I feel I am experienceing withdrawal from scopolamine.

[massgirl80s]

I have been on this patch for 3 1/2 years due to dr oversight. long-term used has caused medical problems (tachycardia, gastroparesis, blurred vision, SOB,pupil dialation, really bad memory,etc. Two attempts to withdraw landed me in a er. I am now going into the hospital to withdraw as a medical admit. I contacted a professor who did long-term scop use and he said no one has ever been on it as along as me. he anticipates a very long road. once done with the outpatient aspect (meclazine valium and zofran and weekly fluids) I will continue to have episodes monthly for awhile. this drug enters the brain barrier. can't believe I am in this mess

[peter9]

Thank you Captain. I'm keeping your letter on file. Here is a link to research linking increased risk of altzheimers and cholinergic drugs, which include scopalamine and dramamine. http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2016/04/alzheimers-treatment-commonly-used-drugs-linked-to-dementia.html#more

I like your ginger, etc. suggestions.

[captainp73]

You're technically in a short-term 'addictive' phase to scopolamine, which is a belladonna alkaloid drug in use for thousands of years.  I've taken it for sailing trips, and occasionally for sleep, but it's not a very 'clean' drug, and the doctor is right-- stop taking it.  The nausea can be relieved by things of varying strength, so the first thing to do is keep a small amount of food on your stomach and avoid dehydration by large consumption of water (scopolamine dries you out, also causing nausea).  Go to your health foods store and get Ginger root extract in liquid bottle with honey, mix a few tablespoons with water, Sprite, etc., and it will work within 20 minutes.  If something stronger is needed, get a prescription for generic Tigan from your doctor.  If this is still not strong enough, you should graduate to Compazine, but take only the minimum effective amount, since it will cause sleepiness and a total brain-cloud for a day or so in higher doses.