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Mysterious 'Devil's Breath': What is the dark story behind Scopolamine?
Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine or "devil's breath", is a natural or synthetic alkaloid that belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs. It is primarily used to treat symptoms such as motion sickness and postoperative nausea. The drug has a long history of use in the medical community, particularly to reduce saliva production prior to surgery. Although its medicinal benefits are widely recognized, the story behind Scopolamine is shrouded in darkness and mystery.
What is Scopolamine?
Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug that works by blocking certain effects of acetylcholine in the body. When used by injection, its effects begin after about 20 minutes and last up to 8 hours. This medication can also be taken orally or via a transdermal patch because of its transdermal bioavailability. The drug is derived from certain plants in the nightshade family and has been used for recreational and occult practices since ancient times for its mind-altering effects.
Scopolamine is one of the essential medicines listed by the World Health Organization.
Medical Uses
Scopolamine has a variety of regulated uses in modern medicine. It is mainly used for:
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Motion sickness, especially ocean motion sickness
- Gastrointestinal cramps
- Kidney or bile duct spasm
- Assists with gastrointestinal radiology and endoscopy Irritable bowel syndrome
- Clozapine-induced drooling
- Intestinal cramps
- Eye inflammation
However, the use of scopolamine is also associated with some adverse reactions, including drowsiness, blurred vision, pupil dilation and dry mouth. This medication is not recommended for people with angle-closure glaucoma or intestinal obstruction. Its safety during pregnancy remains uncertain, and its use during breastfeeding is cautioned by health professionals.
Adverse Reactions and Overdose
Adverse reactions to scopolamine are relatively rare, with an incidence rate of approximately 0.1% to 1%, including dry mouth, inability to sweat, and rapid heartbeat. Severe overdose may cause respiratory failure or even death. In this case, physostigmine is used as an antidote to treat the symptoms of scopolamine CNS depression.
Scopolamine in CrimeAt doses less than those found in legal drugs, scopolamine's psychedelic properties can induce hallucinogenic changes in consciousness, particularly with activity at the M1 cholinergic receptor.
The dark side of scopolamine lies in its links to criminal behavior. To date, criminals in countries such as Colombia often use this drug to commit robberies and other crimes. Unofficial estimates put the number of victims at tens of thousands. Scopolamine is usually administered in liquid or powder form to food and drink, causing the victim to lose consciousness and become a target for robbery.
The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) issued a travel warning in 2012 advising people to avoid accepting food or drinks in front of strangers to prevent becoming a victim of a sex crime or robbery.
ConclusionScopolamine's medical uses stand in stark contrast to its use in the dark world. Whether it is used to treat symptoms in medicine or as a tool in crime, its dual nature has prompted society to think about its use and regulation. How will scientific developments affect the future use of this drug?
