7 Scopolamine Interactions: Allergy Pills, Sleep Aids, Alcohol, and More

The scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is a popular motion sickness medication that’s applied behind the ear. You typically use scopolamine as needed to prevent nausea. 

Even though scopolamine is used short term, it’s still a good idea to be aware of potential interactions. Scopolamine blocks the effects of a chemical called acetylcholine. This can help with nausea, but it can also lead to various side effects, including drowsiness. When you take scopolamine with other medications that have similar effects, it can amplify the side effects. 

Below are seven scopolamine interactions you should know about. This isn’t a complete list of possible interactions. Sharing your medication list with your healthcare team can help them identify any interactions.

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1. Motion sickness pills such as Dramamine

Scopolamine is a motion sickness patch. But there are also motion sickness pills, such as meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). You can buy the pills over the counter, but scopolamine is only available with a prescription. 

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication. Both meclizine and dimenhydrinate are antihistamines. But they can also have anticholinergic side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, and dry mouth. Taking them with scopolamine may worsen these effects. 

If you take meclizine for another reason, such as vertigo, talk to your prescriber. They can help you figure out how to manage this interaction.

2. Allergy medications such as Benadryl

Antihistamines are also used to treat allergy symptoms. Older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), tend to have stronger anticholinergic effects. For this reason, they’re also commonly used in cold and flu medications. They can help relieve symptoms such as a runny nose and help you sleep while you’re sick.

Similar to motion sickness pills, taking older antihistamines with scopolamine can worsen side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. It’s best to avoid this combination.

If you need an allergy medication, there are non-drowsy antihistamines that may have fewer side effects when combined with scopolamine. Antihistamine or steroid nasal sprays are also options to consider. Your pharmacist can help you pick a product that’s best for your symptoms.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Scopolamine tips: Did you know that there’s a right way to use scopolamine patches for motion sickness? Here’s how to use them correctly, plus other tips for best results.

• A patient’s story: Read how one man managed motion sickness on his family’s boat with medications, herbal remedies, and dietary changes.

• Motion sickness remedies: Experts explain why motion sickness happens and how to get rid of it.

3. Sedatives

Sedatives are a group of medications that increase a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This slows down brain activity and produces a calming effect. They’re commonly used for sleep, anxiety, and seizures. Examples include sleep aids such as zolpidem (Ambien) and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax).

Because of how they work, sedatives can make you drowsy. When they’re taken with scopolamine, severe drowsiness is possible. So, it’s recommended to avoid this combination.

If you take a sedative, your prescriber may recommend an alternative to scopolamine.

Keep in mind that stopping a sedative suddenly can cause withdrawal. Talk to your prescriber before making any changes to your medication regimen.

4. Opioids

Opioids are a type of pain medication. They work well, but they come with many side effects and risks. Two of the most common side effects are drowsiness and dizziness.

It’s best to avoid scopolamine if you’re taking opioids due to increased risk of severe drowsiness. If you take opioids for chronic pain, talk to your prescriber. They can work with you to find a safer alternative. 

Similar to sedatives, don’t stop taking opioids abruptly, since this can cause withdrawal. Talk to your prescriber before you stop taking an opioid.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They’re approved for depression. Some are also used off-label for other health conditions, such as migraines and nerve pain.

Tricyclic antidepressants have anticholinergic side effects, which may be worsened when they’re taken with scopolamine. Examples include drowsiness, trouble urinating, and blurry vision. If you’re taking a tricyclic antidepressant, check with your prescriber before using scopolamine.

6. Muscle relaxers

Muscle relaxers work to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Examples include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), and baclofen (Lioresal).

Some of the most common muscle relaxer side effects are drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects can be more severe if you combine muscle relaxers with scopolamine. Check with your prescriber before taking them together.

7. Alcohol

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol with scopolamine. Drinking alcohol with scopolamine can increase your risk of drowsiness and dizziness.

Remember, you only need the scopolamine patch while you’re participating in an activity that can cause motion sickness. You can reduce your risk of side effects by removing the patch as soon as you don’t need it anymore. This can give scopolamine’s effects time to wear off if you decide to drink later on.

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Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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