Scopolamine addiction is characterized by physical and psychological dependence on an anticholinergic medication that affects the central nervous system. Scopolamine is a medication used to prevent motion sickness and nausea by blocking certain neurotransmitters. When abused, it is very dangerous and leads to severe hallucinations, memory loss, paranoia, and, in high doses, potentially fatal respiratory or cardiovascular complications. A 1995 Wall Street Journal article reported that approximately 50% of all emergency room admissions in Bogotá, Colombia, were due to burundanga (scopolamine) poisoning.
The primary side effects of scopolamine addiction include severe memory loss, hallucinations, and cardiac complications. Prolonged use results in dependency, increasing the risk of overdose or severe psychiatric episodes.
Withdrawal symptoms manifest as intense anxiety, seizures, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. In more severe cases, users experience tremors, elevated heart rates, and panic attacks as the body readjusts after discontinuation. According to Putcha et al. 1989 in “Pharmacokinetics and Oral Bioavailability of Scopolamine in Normal Subjects.” ” scopolamine has a bioavailability (absorbed in the body) of 20-40% and reaches peak plasma concentration within approximately 45 minutes. Scopolamine undergoes first-pass metabolism, with around 2.6% excreted unchanged in urine. In healthy individuals, its average half-life is 5 hours, though it spans from 2 to 10 hours.
Treatment involves a combination of medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address psychological dependence, and long-term rehabilitation programs. Medications are prescribed to control symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia during recovery. About 2.6% of unchanged scopolamine is recovered in urine after oral administration. With the transdermal patch system, less than 10% of the total dose, including both unchanged scopolamine and its metabolites, is excreted in urine over 108 hours, and less than 5% is recovered unchanged using the transdermal patch system, the FDA-approved New Drug Application (NDA): 017874 – Transderm Scop by Baxter Healthcare Corp.
Preventive measures include public awareness campaigns, monitoring scopolamine use in prescription settings, and increased education on the dangers of misuse. Avoiding unregulated use and ensuring prescriptions are used responsibly are key steps in reducing scopolamine addiction risks. The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council cautions travelers in Quito about the risks of scopolamine attacks, citing “unofficial estimates” of 50,000 scopolamine-related incidents annually, though the source of this figure is unspecified.
What Is Scopolamine Addiction?
Scopolamine addiction is a substance use disorder that involves physical and psychological dependence on the anticholinergic drug scopolamine, commonly prescribed for motion sickness and postoperative nausea.
Scopolamine addiction manifests through persistent drug-seeking behavior, tolerance requiring escalating doses, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Misuse of its hallucinogenic or disorienting effects leads to severe symptoms like memory loss, disorientation, confusion, and impaired cognitive function. Prolonged abuse results in significant health complications, including organ damage, mental deterioration, and, in extreme cases, fatal overdose due to the drug’s “zombie effect,” causing loss of control and amnesia.
According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (dated June 7, 1996), between 1995 and 1996, multiple heroin users were brought to emergency rooms showing symptoms of scopolamine poisoning. Through the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “Domestic Monitor Program” (DMP) and criminal justice operations, heroin samples were tested for purity and adulterants. The testing revealed that four out of 23,288 non-DMP specimens contained scopolamine, with these samples being discovered in Bohemia, New York (October 1995), and in Philadelphia and New York City (March 1996). Eight people were treated at a Bronx hospital emergency department on March 16, 1995, followed by an additional ten cases between March 17-April 5, 1995, at Bronx and Manhattan emergency departments.
What Is Devil’s Breath?
Devil’s Breath is a common name for scopolamine, a dangerous anticholinergic drug. Scopolamine is called “Devil’s Breath” due to its ability to incapacitate individuals, rendering them vulnerable to manipulation and memory loss, often leading to criminal exploitation. It is legitimately prescribed to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea but has become notorious for its misuse as a criminal tool and party drug.
The drug naturally occurs in plants of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, particularly Datura stramonium and Brugmansia plants. When misused, Devil’s Breath can have severe effects including complete loss of control over one’s actions and amnesia. The drug earned its sinister nickname in Colombia, where the U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council has documented its widespread illegal use.
Taking Devil’s Breath can lead to both physical and psychological addiction. In medical settings, it serves a legitimate purpose as a prescription medication to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially related to motion sickness, anesthesia, or opioid pain medications. However, its potential for abuse stems from its potent depressant properties that can create a “zombie-like” effect in victims.
What Are the Side Effects of Scopolamine Addiction?
The common side effects of scopolamine addiction are dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, sweating, bradycardia, confusion, or agitation. The severe side effects of scopolamine addiction consist of hallucinations, seizures, urinary retention/pain, coma, memory loss, hypotension, and respiratory depression.
The common side effects of scopolamine addiction include:
- Dry mouth: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug, which blocks acetylcholine receptors and reduces saliva production. This precipitates a persistent dry mouth, making it difficult to swallow and speak, and creates discomfort. According to Furey, M. L.’s 2013 study, ‘Pulsed intravenous administration of scopolamine produces rapid antidepressant effects and modest side effects.’, scopolamine’s side effects are relatively mild and brief (under 3 hours), mainly including drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, blurred vision, and slight decreases in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Blurred vision: Scopolamine produces blurred vision due to its action on the eye’s ability to focus. This is a common side effect, as it dilates the pupils and affects near vision.
- Headache: Scopolamine triggers headaches, likely due to its effects on the central nervous system and the blood vessels in the brain, causing vascular changes.
- Dizziness: As a depressant, scopolamine instigates dizziness by altering balance and coordination. Dizziness affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for equilibrium.
- Sweating: Scopolamine abuse disrupts the body’s normal temperature regulation, leading to excessive sweating, particularly in situations where users are not physically exerting themselves.
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate): Scopolamine slows the heart rate by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system. In some cases, this brings about abnormal heart rhythms or dizziness and fainting.
- Confusion or agitation: Scopolamine sets in motion mental confusion and agitation, especially at higher doses, due to its action on the brain’s neurotransmitters, leading to disturbances in perception and cognition.
The severe side effects of scopolamine addiction include:
- Hallucinations: One of the more dangerous effects of scopolamine abuse is hallucinations, described as “zombie-like” behavior. These occur because scopolamine interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly those involved in reality perception.
According to Lin, Y.-G.’s 2011report, ‘ Delirium due to scopolamine patch in a 4-year-old boy.’, a scopolamine patch can induce severe psychotic symptoms including bizarre actions, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, and incoherent speech, along with deteriorated cognitive function, changed mental status, and flushing skin, with symptoms resolving after patch removal and conservative management.
- Seizures: Scopolamine overdose contributes to seizures, a severe side effect of the drug. This results from its depressive effects on the central nervous system and altered neuronal activity.
- Urinary retention/pain: Scopolamine occasions urinary retention, which leads to difficulty urinating. In some cases, this generates pain or discomfort during urination due to the drug’s anticholinergic effects on the bladder.
- Coma: In extreme cases, like overdose, scopolamine gives rise to unconsciousness or coma. This occurs as a result of severe CNS depression, leading to a loss of consciousness and the inability to respond to stimuli.
According to Lusthof, K. J.’s 2017 study, ‘Toxicological results in a fatal and two non-fatal cases of scopolamine-facilitated robberies’, individuals who are sensitive to scopolamine’s effects may experience severe drowsiness or fall into a comatose state when blood concentrations reach approximately 0.004 mg/L.
- Memory loss: Abuse of scopolamine originates from massive short-term memory loss, making it difficult for users to recall events or recognize familiar environments. This occurs because scopolamine disrupts normal brain function, especially in areas involved in memory consolidation.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure): Scopolamine lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system. Severe hypotension provokes fainting or shock in some individuals.
- Respiratory depression: At very high doses, scopolamine severely depresses breathing, leading to slow or irregular breathing patterns, which is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
What Are the Long-term Effects of Scopolamine Addiction?
The long-term effects of scopolamine addiction are major memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and ongoing confusion.
Scopolamine impairs memory and induces a state of semi-consciousness or unconsciousness, individuals are vulnerable to situations like sexual assault, rape, or other serious violations. These violations, in league with memory gaps, contribute to long-term emotional and psychological trauma. Moreover, scopolamine addiction has severe physical consequences, such as permanent damage to the cardiovascular system or prolonged hallucinations, and exacerbates the risk of accidents due to impaired coordination and judgment.
As the brain becomes increasingly dependent on the drug, its overall functionality and mental stability deteriorate. Protracted scopolamine abuse encourages an accelerated decline in quality of life, requiring professional intervention to mitigate lasting damage, as given by Luetje C. & Wooten J. 1996 in “Clinical Manifestations of Transdermal Scopolamine Addiction.”
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Scopolamine Addiction?
The withdrawal symptoms of scopolamine addiction are intense anxiety, nausea, confusion, and agitation. The withdrawal process lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s level of dependence. In some cases, the severity of the symptoms necessitates medical intervention.
According to Lau, S. H.’s 2014 study, ‘Scopolamine patch withdrawal syndrome.’, Scopolamine withdrawal syndrome can occur in 1-3% of patients who stop using patches, with symptoms lasting 1-3 days. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and irritability. There is no specific treatment, but symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications. To prevent withdrawal, it is recommended to taper off the patch dose over 2-3 days, rather than stopping abruptly.
The common withdrawal symptoms of scopolamine addiction include:
- Anxiety: Anxiety is one of the most intense symptoms of scopolamine withdrawal, causing feelings of restlessness, fear, and excessive worry. The severity ranges from moderate unease to full-blown panic attacks.
- Nausea: Nausea symptoms and physical discomfort is very severe, making it difficult to maintain proper hydration and nutrition during the withdrawal process.
- Insomnia: Sleep disturbances oscillate from mild difficulty to total sleep deprivation, which further exacerbates anxiety and physical discomfort.
- Headaches: Headaches vary from mild to intense migraines, affecting daily functioning and causing sensitivity to light and sound.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is a frequent symptom that falls between lightheadedness to vertigo, making basic activities such as walking or standing unsafe.
- Confusion: Cognitive impairment, such as difficulty concentrating or remembering, is common and interferes with everyday activities and decision-making.
How Long Does Scopolamine Stay in Your System?
Scopolamine stays in your system for about 72 hours when using a transdermal patch, while oral doses have a much shorter duration with peak levels at 30 minutes.
According to Renner, U. D.’s 2005 study, ‘Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the clinical use of scopolamine.’, transdermal patches maintain steady plasma levels between 56-245 pg/mL, with peak concentrations around 100 pg/mL occurring at 8 hours after application.
Oral administration shows poor bioavailability with only 2.6% excreted unchanged in urine. The drug’s presence in the system varies significantly between individuals and can be extended by grapefruit juice consumption. While only 3% appears unchanged in urine, up to 30% becomes detectable after enzymatic processing. The exact metabolite structures in humans aren’t fully understood despite the drug’s long clinical use.
What are the Treatments for Scopolamine Addiction?
The main treatments for scopolamine addiction consist of medically-supervised detoxification, structured rehabilitation programs, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and ongoing support systems. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2020) in the “International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders: Revised Edition Incorporating Results of Field-Testing” emphasizes the importance of integrated treatment approaches.
Common treatments for scopolamine addiction are explained below:
Medically-Assisted Detox
Medically-assisted detoxification provides 24/7 clinical monitoring during acute withdrawal, lasting 7-14 days. Meclizine, a piperazine-derivative H1-receptor antagonist, has anticholinergic properties (blocking signals in the brain) and is effective in treating motion sickness. Scopolamine withdrawal symptoms have been successfully alleviated through medically-assisted detox.
According to Patel, P. N.’s 2009 study, ‘Withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of transdermal scopolamine therapy: Treatment with meclizine’, oral meclizine 25mg every 12 hours successfully treated withdrawal symptoms from transdermal scopolamine patches after just two doses. The withdrawal symptoms, which included dry mouth, uncomfortable dry eyes, and severe nausea (especially when standing or walking), developed in a 30-year-old woman 24 hours after removing the motion sickness patch. While the patient had used transdermal scopolamine eight years prior without any withdrawal effects, this time the symptoms persisted until treated with meclizine.
Also, another study confirms the use of meclizine. According to Lau, S. H.’s 2014, ‘Scopolamine patch withdrawal syndrome.’, Meclizine has proven effective in treating scopolamine withdrawal syndrome, with a typical regimen of 50 mg every 6-8 hours for 2-3 days followed by gradual tapering to 25 mg every 8 hours over a week. Alternatively, leaving the final scopolamine patch on for a week while supplementing with meclizine 25 mg every 8-12 hours has also shown success in managing withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab provides structured treatment for 30-90 days in a controlled environment, offering 24/7 medical supervision and diverse therapies. This approach breaks the cycle of addiction, prevents relapse, and supports healing, making it particularly effective for severe scopolamine addiction. According to Luetje, C. M.’s 1996 study, ‘Clinical manifestations of transdermal scopolamine addiction.’, severe cases of physiological scopolamine dependency may require hospitalization. Tapered reduction and drug elimination effectively address scopolamine dependency. Long-term use of transdermal scopolamine patches increases the risk of chemical dependency, prompting prescribing physicians to review and follow the manufacturer’s recommended use.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), help individuals with scopolamine addiction identify triggers, manage cravings, and develop healthier coping mechanisms for long-term sobriety.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as 12-step programs, provide ongoing recovery maintenance through shared experiences and accountability. These groups foster a sense of community essential for sustaining recovery after formal treatment.
What Are the Strategies for Preventing Scopolamine Addiction?
The strategies for preventing scopolamine addiction focus on safe usage, awareness, and early intervention. To reduce the risk of dependence, scopolamine is used as prescribed by a healthcare professional, specifically for approved conditions such as motion sickness or nausea related to anesthesia. Regular monitoring of use, especially in cases of long-term treatment, is a critical preventative step. Educating patients on the potential risks and side effects of scopolamine, and covering its abuse potential, aids in recognizing early signs of misuse. Encouraging alternative treatments for conditions like motion sickness further minimizes reliance on scopolamine. Moreover, incorporating behavioral therapies and addiction support groups is valuable in preventing dependency. Finally, individuals must avoid using scopolamine recreationally or as a party drug, as its misuse has grave health consequences, like addiction.
Is Scopolamine a Controlled Substance?
No, scopolamine is not classified as a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Controlled Substances Act restricts its manufacture, distribution, and prescription due to documented abuse potential and dependence risk. Due to its dose-dependent side effects, scopolamine became the first drug to be commercially available in a transdermal delivery system, with the introduction of Scopoderm TTS® in 1981. This method helped mitigate some of the adverse effects linked to its oral administration. Scopolamine’s anticholinergic properties have led to ongoing research into its therapeutic applications, and it is currently approved for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and surgical procedures.
How Much Scopolamine Is Too Much?
Too much scopolamine is an administration beyond 1mg over 3 days for a transdermal patch. The therapeutic dosage range is 0.3-0.9 mg daily. There is a chance of severe toxicity at doses exceeding 1.5 mg/72 hours, as suggested by Drugs.com (2023) in “Scopolamine Dosage.”
Can Scopolamine Cause Memory Loss?
Yes, scopolamine can cause memory loss as it directly impairs memory formation and retrieval. Scopolamine blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors critical for memory consolidation, causing anterograde and retrograde amnesia. Long-term exposure has permanent hippocampal damage.
According to Potter, D. D.’s 2000 study, ‘Scopolamine impairs memory performance and reduces frontal but not parietal visual P3 amplitude.’, scopolamine directly impairs memory performance by reducing frontal P3 amplitude but not parietal P3 amplitude in the brain. The drug increases visual P3 latency through cholinergic blockade, demonstrating its memory-disrupting effects in both target and non-target brain responses. These changes in P3 event-related potential (ERP) confirm scopolamine’s significant impact on memory processes, particularly in the frontal regions responsible for memory encoding and retrieval.
Does Scopolamine Interact with Opioids?
Yes, scopolamine has severe interactions with opioid medications. The synergistic depression of respiratory centers creates an extreme risk of sudden death, prompting strict contraindications of concurrent use. Using the scopolamine transdermal system alongside other drugs such as opioids that spawn CNS side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or disorientation intensifies the sedative effects of scopolamine. If combining these drugs is necessary, monitor patients for any adverse CNS reactions, particularly those more susceptible to these compounded effects, as noted in the National Library of Medicine’s DAILYMED: “Drug Label Information” (2024).
Is Scopolamine Illegal?
No, scopolamine is not illegal when used as a prescribed medication for conditions like motion sickness or postoperative nausea. However, its misuse for non-medical purposes, such as inducing hallucinations or disorientation, is illegal in many jurisdictions due to its potential for abuse and harm.
Is Scopolamine A Hallucinogen?
Yes, Scopolamine is a hallucinogen when taken at high doses. It causes disorientation, confusion, and vivid hallucinations. The drug’s hallucinogenic effects come from its anticholinergic properties, which disrupt normal brain function and result in altered perceptions and memory loss.
What Happens If You Combine Scopolamine Patch And Alcohol?
Combining a scopolamine patch with alcohol increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Alcohol amplifies the drug’s depressant effects, potentially leading to severe impairment or overdose. Avoid alcohol while using scopolamine patches.
How Can You Protect Yourself At A Party Where People Are Abusing Drugs?
You can protect yourself at a party where people are abusing drugs by staying vigilant, avoiding unattended drinks, and keeping your beverage with you at all times. Never accept drinks from strangers, watch your drink being prepared when possible, and keep it covered. Politely decline any substances offered, stay with trusted friends throughout the event, and leave immediately if you feel unsafe or notice suspicious behavior. Always have a designated driver or ride-sharing plan in place, and keep emergency contacts readily available.
