Scopolamine and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lim...
• March 21, 2019

Scopolamine for Motion Sickness "3/20/19. I am a 47-year-old female. I tried the Transderm-Scop patch to help with motion sickness on thrill rides. The first patch fell off that night, so I placed a new patch on the following morning and wore it for 1 1/2 days. I took it off mid-day as it was irritating my skin. Up to that point, I was very pleased to be nausea-free. Things changed about 8 hours after taking off the patch. Stationary objects in my house began to twist and turn very slowly. For example, my computer monitor appeared to turn my direction, and my ceiling fan blades moved like octopus tentacles. I looked up side effects and read that it can cause hallucinations. Unfortunately, it is still happening 12 hrs later. Now my pupils are slightly dilated, and I'm seeing double, along with slight nausea and a headache. The effectiveness of the medication during use does not outweigh these side effects. It is rather scary to see things that you know are not real, but yet have no control over them."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2009

Scopolamine for Motion Sickness "I used this for my 8-day cruise. It is the only thing that has ever worked for me. The only problem I had was when I came home and took it off. Twenty-four hours later, I had horrible side effects (headache, stomach, dizzy). Bottom line, I would do it again so that I could enjoy a motion-sick-free cruise vacation."

• Ash...
• March 6, 2018

For Motion Sickness "I have now had two experiences taking this patch. The first time was for a three-day boat excursion. I get motion sickness really bad, so I had a patch for the duration of our trip and was totally fine. I was so impressed with the patch and would have sworn by it. However! I just used it again for the second time this past weekend, and I have been completely miserable ever since. I took it due to a trip to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and I wanted to be able to ride the rides. Not only did it not work, but I felt nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, and had extremely bad blurred vision by the end of the trip. My mouth got so dry I could barely swallow. It’s as if any moisture throughout my mouth and esophagus has been sucked dry. I was scared to eat because it felt like I was going to choke. I’ve had the patch off for almost 48 hours and am still bedridden from headaches, nausea, paranoia, memory loss, and just an all-around mental confusion. I’m out of work and miserable."

• Kim...
• September 3, 2014

For Motion Sickness "I have used Kimite patches on 3 separate occasions. The first time I used multiple patches for 8 consecutive days with no side effects while wearing the patch, however, for the week following removal, I experienced dizziness and headaches. On the second and third occasions, I only used one patch for a duration of 3 days each time (which is a patch's maximum longevity), and I had no side effects. I still rate this medication highly, as without my Kimite, I wouldn't be able to travel long distances due to the severity of my motion sickness."

• Cam...
• March 17, 2015

Scopolamine for Motion Sickness "I took this for a 6-hour car ride followed up by two theme parks. I strongly suggest putting the patch on the night before you leave or at least four hours ahead of time. The side effects I experienced were extremely mild. The patch made me mildly euphoric, my eyes dilated, and I got a mild headache. I am 6 ft tall and 150 lbs, it only worked for two days for me instead of the three. The only negative side effects I had were short-term memory loss, I kept asking the same questions over and over, and dry mouth. I would not drive or use this if I was going alone somewhere. I recommend keeping it on for 1 or 2 days after you need it until your body regains its equilibrium. I had no withdrawal symptoms."

• Ano...
• March 6, 2021

For Nausea/Vomiting "I've had a horrible experience with this patch. I had a minor back surgery, and the patch was placed behind my left ear, but no instructions were given. The day after surgery, I tried to go for a walk, but when I stepped outside, everything became extremely bright and discolored, and I was disoriented. I noticed one dilated pupil. I took the patch off after having it on for 32 hours. The next day, I felt incredibly weak, tired, dizzy, lightheaded, with blurry vision, anxious, nervous, and had a headache. I ended up going to the ER when the symptoms continued. They seemed to be clueless about all these side effects from the patch. It's day three now, and I'm still having issues. I tried to take a quick walk, didn't even go a block, and I felt like my legs were going to give out, and like I was going to have a panic attack. The last thing I need after back surgery is being dizzy and off balance. This medicine is dangerous. I can't believe doctors aren't more up to speed about the debilitating side effects."

• Pac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2019

For Motion Sickness "Used 2 patches for a 6-day cruise. Worked well for motion sickness. After being removed for 12 hours or so, I didn’t feel quite right. BP was up, sleepy, headache, etc. But nothing debilitating. I would use again."

• eml...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

For Motion Sickness "If I could give this drug a negative rating, I would. Please be careful taking it. I sought the patch to use on a 6-day cruise after reading that it was more effective than meclizine. Meclizine is a joy compared to scopolamine. On the patch, I was at the ship's infirmary every day with low blood pressure and feeling overheated (cruise was in Canada during fall - not warm weather!). Wicked, constant headache, nausea, and I could barely keep my eyes open for the entire trip. Ruined vacation. Disembarked and went straight to the ER. Was completely dehydrated. The ER doctor informed me of documented instances of scopolamine psychosis. Very dangerous medication, here!"

• mac...
• February 26, 2008

For Nausea/Vomiting "My doctor used this right before surgery and 3 days after. I normally get so sick from general anesthesia, but with this patch on, I never once got that nausea feeling. It worked like a charm! I took it off today and got a slight headache, I'm guessing just slight withdrawal."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2021

For Motion Sickness "I used two scopolamine patches over the course of eight days and avoided motion sickness during my vacation. After taking the patch off, I have become miserably sick. Vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. I can't even get out of bed, and it's been three days! I have used this medication before for single-day events- a fishing trip, snorkeling, and long bus rides successfully with no side effects- but only left the patch on for the duration of the event- less than 12 hours. I will never leave a patch on for more than a day again. I have never felt so sick in my life! This medication does what it is supposed to, but the withdrawals are worse than any motion sickness one could possibly have."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2018

For Nausea/Vomiting "I had the patch applied to the back of my ear before my D&C. I was told it could be left on for 3 days. During those three days, I experienced neck pain and a very bad headache for the three days. So on the third day, I mentioned the bad headache to my daughter, and she asked if I was still wearing the patch. I said I was, and she mentioned that was probably the cause of my headache. I rarely get a headache. After researching a little, I found this was a side effect. My headache has lessened a lot, but not completely better. You really do have to do your own research on everything. Not happy at all that I was told to keep this on for 3 days. TOTALLY UNNECESSARY."

• Mig...
• September 8, 2015

For Motion Sickness "Went on a 7-day cruise and used the patch, as well replaced it after 3 days. Worked good for me during the cruise. Side effects were dry mouth, and I just drank a lot of water. One day, I was working out on the cruise and felt like I wanted to throw up. I think it's not intended to be used while doing lots of physical activity. Still got to enjoy my cruise with minimal problems. After the cruise, I removed the patch on land, and the next day I had severe, excruciating headaches. I didn't feel motion sickness but suffered a huge loss of appetite, I only could eat one piece of bread a day or else I'd throw up. I was dealing with a painful headache/migraine that couldn't subside for an entire 7 days after the cruise. Warning to all users out there."

• Duc...
• April 4, 2016

For Motion Sickness "Used for post-op surgery due to a history of nausea and vomiting. The best recovery room experience. I took it off the next morning because I think, combined with the pain medication, I was extremely dizzy/headache. I have never been seasick, but I would recommend it for surgery."

• Deb...
• November 29, 2016

Scopolamine for Nausea/Vomiting "Took a tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. After taking the patch off, I had nausea, vomiting, and a headache. I have been back home for a week now and am still having headaches. It has to be from these patches because I never had headaches before. Will never use them again."

• Deb...
• November 29, 2016

Scopolamine for Nausea/Vomiting "Took a tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. After taking the patch off, I had nausea, vomiting, and a headache. I have been back home for a week now and am still having headaches. It has to be from these patches because I never had headaches before. Will never use them again."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2023

For Motion Sickness "Used for 11 days on a cruise and it worked exactly as predicted (usual dosage, one patch every 3 days), however, after two days on land, my head seemed like it was going to explode. As soon as we got into the house from a twelve-hour drive, I could hear the loudest hum in my head. It sounded like the fan in the furnace constantly roaring. Woke up the next day with everything spinning, the kind of feeling I would have if getting on a boat without any medication. Struggled through the day with a bad headache and wobbly feeling. Went for a walk to see if fresh air and activity would help. Seemed to be getting better, but the next day ended up vomiting in the morning. Rest doesn't seem to help much. Neither does the fresh air and working in the yard. Third day and still don't feel much better. The roaring in my head is just a constant noise, not quite as loud. Plan on going to the doctor tomorrow."

• dcl...
• December 5, 2011

For Motion Sickness "Horrible side effects on 3 different occasions after removing patch. Nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness lasting 3-7 days all three times."