The effects of dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine on performance

We assessed the influence of dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and transdermal sc opolamine on the ability to perform simulated naval crew tasks. The effect of single doses of dimenhydrinate, 100 mg, cinnarizine, 50 mg, and one tran sdermal scopolamine patch on psychomotor performance was evaluated using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover design in three sep arate studies. A total of 60 young naval crew (20 for dimenhydrinate, 15 fo r cinnarizine and 25 for transdermal scopolamine) underwent a battery of co mputerized and paper and pencil performance tests, and filled out a questio nnaire on side-effects and well-being self-assessment. Dimenhydrinate signi ficantly impaired decision reaction time and auditory digit span. Most of t he subjects who took dimenhydrinate also reported a subjective decrease in well-being and general performance abilities. Cinnarizine and transdermal s copolamine did not affect performance abilities. Cinnarizine was free of si gnificant side-effects. Dry mouth was the only significant side-effect of t ransdermal scopolamine. These findings could be explained by the well-known sedative properties of dimenhydrinate and not by a specific effect on any particular cognitive or motor function. Our results suggest that dimenhydri nate, 100 mg, adversely affects psychomotor function, whereas single doses of cinnarizine, 50 mg, and transdermal scopolamine appear to be free of sid e-effects on performance and seem to be a preferable anti-seasickness drug for use by a naval crew.