Publication
Title
Restricted sedation and absence of cognitive impairments after administration of intranasal scopolamine
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Space motion sickness in astronauts during spaceflight causes significant discomfort, which might impede their functionality. Pharmacological treatment has been mainly restricted to promethazine. Transdermal and oral scopolamine have also been used in space; however, their use was reduced due to unpredictable effectiveness and side effects. Recently, intranasal scopolamine administration has gained much interest, since this route ensures fast and reliable absorption with a decreased incidence of undesirable side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intranasal scopolamine on cognitive performance and to determine its side effects. Methods: This double-blind, placebo controlled, repeated measures study evaluated vigilant attention, short-term memory, implicit memory and working memory. Side effects were reported on a 22-item questionnaire and sleepiness was assessed by the Karolinska, Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales. Results: Scopolamine had no effect on cognitive function. Only the Karolinska score was significantly increased for scopolamine compared to placebo. Participants reported a dry mouth and dizziness after receiving scopolamine. Discussion: Results show that intranasal scopolamine did not impair cognitive performance. Intranasal scopolamine might be a good alternative to promethazine for the alleviation of space motion sickness, since the agent has minimal sedative effects and does not hamper cognitive performance.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of psychopharmacology. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2015
ISSN
0269-8811
DOI
10.1177/0269881115598414
Volume/pages
29 :12 (2015) , p. 1231-1235
ISI
000365744800002
Pubmed ID
26268532
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Spaceflight induced neuroplasticity studied with advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods (BRAIN-DTI).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.09.2015
Last edited 28.01.2024
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