Background

Scopolia is a plant. The root and root-like stem (rhizome) are used as medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use scopolia for conditions such as spasms of the digestive and urinary tracts, liver and gallbladder complaints, pain, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Scopolia is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine. There is only a small difference between a beneficial dose and a poisonous dose, and the amount of each chemical is different in each product. Early symptoms of scopolia poisoning include reddened skin and dry mouth. Other symptoms include high body temperature, vision problems, difficulty urinating, and constipation. Taking large amounts of scopolia can cause restlessness, compulsive speech, and hallucinations, followed by breathing problems and death.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

It is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to use scopolia, but people with the following conditions are especially likely to experience unwanted side effects:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Scopolia is LIKELY UNSAFE. Don't use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Heart problems such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or rapid, irregular heartbeat: Scopolia might make heart problems worse. Don't use it if you have one of these conditions.

Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome might be especially sensitive to the harmful effects of scopolia. Don't give it to them.

Hiatal hernia or heartburn (esophageal reflux disease): Scopolia might make esophageal reflux disease worse. Don't use it if you have this condition.

Fever: Scopolia might raise the body temperature. Don't use it if you have a fever.

Digestive tract conditions including constipation, stomach ulcers, stomach or intestinal infections, ulcerative colitis, enlarged colon (toxic megacolon), or blockage of the digestive tract: Scopolia might make digestive tract problems worse. Don't use it if you have one of these conditions.

Narrow-angle glaucoma: Scopolia might make narrow-angle glaucoma worse. Don't use it if you have this condition.

Trouble urinating (urinary retention): Scopolia might make urinary retention worse. Don't use it if you have this condition.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of scopolia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for scopolia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Scopolia contains chemicals that cause a drying effect. It also affects the brain and heart. Drying medications called anticholinergic drugs can also cause these effects. Taking scopolia and drying medications together might cause side effects including dry skin, dizziness, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and other serious side effects.

Some of these drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and for depression (antidepressants).

Medications for depression (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Scopolia contains chemicals that can affect the body. Some of these chemicals have effects similar to some medications used for depression. Taking scopolia might increase the side effects of some medications used for depression.

Some of these medicines used for depression include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and others.

Quinidine

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Scopolia can affect the heart. Quinidine can also affect the heart. Taking quinidine along with scopolia might cause serious heart problems.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs that affect the brain and heart (anticholinergic herbs): Scopolia is said to be "anticholinergic" because it contains chemicals that can neutralize the effects of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is found naturally in the body. It helps nerves communicate with each other, and it helps nerves communicate with muscles. Acetylcholine plays a big part in regulating heartbeat, blood pressure, response to stress, and many other important body functions. There is some concern that taking scopolia along with other anticholinergic herbs might seriously disrupt the systems controlled by acetylcholine and cause harm. Other anticholinergic herbs include angel's trumpet, belladonna, European mandrake, henbane, and jimson weed.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Scopolia contains several chemicals which are similar to prescription medications, including hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine. These chemicals relax muscles lining the digestive and urinary tracts.