Transdermal scopolamine: human performance and side effects.

The effect of transdermal scopolamine on performance was tested on 23 naval volunteers. Performance was evaluated by using a battery of professional (naval-related) and cognitive tests. For all tests performed there were no significant differences between the scores obtained in placebo and transdermal scopolamine conditions. These results were in close agreement with subjective estimations of performance. Transdermal scopolamine significantly reduced salivary flow, whereas mood state, visual acuity, and eye accommodation for near vision were not affected. We conclude that transdermal scopolamine administration is not accompanied by decrement in performance abilities and can safely be used by naval crews.