Toxic Psychosis from Sleeping Medicines Containing Scopolamine

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Abstract
SUICIDE attempts by the ingestion of sleep-producing medications are widespread and well discussed. However, some of these preparations that are available without prescription, and are advertised as being "safe," contain scopolamine and may, in overdose, induce the appearance of acute psychosis.The toxic effects of the belladonna alkaloids are well known.1 , 2 Until recently the use of these drugs was closely supervised by physicians. As a result, cases of toxicity because of overdosage or susceptibility were readily identified.3 In 1958 Feinblatt4 described the "value and safety" of a combination of scopolamine and methapyrilene (an antihistamine) in the treatment of insomnia in . . .