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Side Effects and Warnings

Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, respiratory arrest, psychosis, disorientation, hallucinations,
seizures, amnesia, coma, may worsen neurological disorders, urinary retention, and blurred
vision, may increase the risk of bleeding.

Interactions:

– increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. E.g. benzodiazepines.
– may alter blood pressure.
– may have additive effects when taken with anti-cholinergics (drying medications),

betablockers, cardiac glycosides, antipsychotics, diuretics, stimulants, drugs used for the
eye, drugs used to alter heart rate or heart rhythm.

Pregnancy and Lactation: Hyoscyamine is known to be excreted into breast milk while

atropine and scopolamine may decrease milk production.

Intoxication

– The risk of poisoning in children is important because of possible confusion with other
berries. Atropa Belladonna acute intoxication is a severe condition.

– The treatment is mainly symptomatic including gastrointestinal decontamination with
activated charcoal. In severe cases, physostigmine can be used as an antidote.

– Consumption of any part of the plant can result in severe anticholinergic toxicity.
– Clinical symptoms are those seen in atropine poisoning, particularly hallucinations and

mydriasis.

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