Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or medications used during surgery. Scopolamine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) on the central nervous system.

What does scopolamine do to the brain?

Scopolamine prevents communication between the nerves of the vestibule and the vomiting center in the brain by blocking the action of acetylcholine. Scopolamine also may work directly on the vomiting center. Scopolamine must be taken before the onset of motion sickness to be effective.

How quickly does scopolamine work?

How long does it take scopolamine (Transderm Scop) to work? Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) takes 4 hours to really start absorbing into the body, and about 6 to 8 hours to work well. This is why you want to put it on at least 4 hours before doing any activity that can cause motion sickness, such as a car or boat ride.