Scopolamine may be used as an adulterant in illegal drugs, causing adverse effects on the user.
Drugs that have been adulterated with scopolamine:
(1) heroin
(2) cocaine
(3) Rohypnol
Mechanism of action: anticholinergic
Clinical signs and symptoms:
(1) global amnesia
(2) agitation
(3) dizziness
(4) psychosis and hallucinations
(5) tachycardia
(6) elevated blood pressure
(7) dilated pupils
(8) blurred vision
(9) dry skin and mucous membranes
(10) absent bowel sounds
(11) flushed skin
(12) confusion
(13) urinary retention
These effects are reversible after administration of physostigmine.
This toxicity may be mixed with adverse reactions to other adulterants or to the drug being used.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Pharmacology, clinical, Emergency Medicine
