Investigating the effects of oral scopolamine on cognition and emotion processing
Researchers are investigating how a medicine called scopolamine might affect how healthy people think and feel. Scopolamine is usually used for travel sickness, but this study will use a very low dose. The aim is to see if it changes how people process emotions or their memory and learning abilities. This research is important because some scientists believe medicines that work similarly to scopolamine might be useful for treating depression quickly. By understanding how scopolamine influences brain processes linked to mood, this study could help guide future research into new depression treatments. Participants will receive either scopolamine or a dummy pill and complete computer tasks, with careful checks on their mood and heart rate throughout.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard of scopolamine (also known as hyoscine hydrobromide) as a medicine used to prevent travel sickness. But did you know scientists are also interested in how it affects the brain in other ways? This study is exploring how a very small dose of scopolamine influences feelings and thinking in healthy people.
The brain has many different chemical systems that control our mood, memory, and how we respond to the world around us. One of these is called the cholinergic system. Some research suggests that medicines that affect this system, like scopolamine, might have a role in helping people with depression feel better more quickly. However, taking too much of these medicines can sometimes affect memory or learning.
This research aims to find out if a safe, low dose of scopolamine changes emotional responses and thinking skills in healthy individuals. The results will help researchers understand more about how this type of medicine affects brain processes linked to mood. This knowledge is really important because it could lead to new ways of developing faster-acting treatments for depression in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests a common travel sickness medicine (scopolamine) at a low dose.
- Aims to understand how it affects emotions and thinking pathways in the brain.
- Could help develop faster-acting treatments for depression.
- Involves one hospital visit in Oxford after an initial video screen.
- Participants receive either study medicine or a dummy pill (neither you nor researchers know which).
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy volunteer aged between 18 and 45 years old and live in the UK. You should have good eyesight and hearing, and be able to understand and speak English well. Your weight should also be within a healthy range for your height.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have ever had a serious mental health condition, or if you are currently being treated for any mental health issue, this study is not for you. You also cannot participate if you regularly drink a lot of alcohol, have used recreational drugs recently, or have had a head injury in the last six months.
Other reasons for not being able to join include being pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. If you have certain medical conditions like glaucoma, epilepsy, or serious heart, kidney, or liver problems, or if you are taking medication that might interfere with the study, you also won't be eligible. The researchers will discuss all these points with you to make sure it's safe for you to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
- Do you live in the UK?
- Do you have good vision and hearing?
- Are you able to speak and understand English fluently?
- Have you ever had a serious mental health condition, or are you currently seeking treatment for any mental health issue? (If yes, you can't join.)
What does participation involve?
If you're interested in taking part, the first step is a video call, which will last about an hour. During this call, the research team will ask you some questions to make sure you're suitable for the study and don't have any past or current mental health conditions. If you're eligible, you'll then be invited to a single study visit, which will take place at the Department of Psychiatry at Warneford Hospital in Oxford.
This visit could last up to five hours. First, there will be some final checks to ensure everything is still okay. Then, you'll be given either a low dose of scopolamine or a placebo (a dummy pill that looks the same but contains no medicine). Neither you nor the researchers will know which one you've received. About an hour after taking the pill, you'll complete a series of computer tasks designed to look at how you interpret emotions and how you think.
Throughout your visit, your heart rate will be monitored, and you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires to track your mood. You can even earn up to £10 during one of the tasks! You'll also be paid £90 for your time and travel expenses will be covered. The study includes one visit in total, and there's no follow-up needed after that day.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Warneford HospitalApproximateOxford, England
Common questions
What is scopolamine?
Scopolamine is a medicine often used to prevent travel sickness. In this study, a very low dose is being used to see how it affects thinking and emotions.
Will I know if I'm getting the real medicine or a dummy pill?
No, neither you nor the researchers will know whether you're receiving scopolamine or a placebo (a dummy pill). This is called a 'double-blind' study and helps make the results fairer.
How long will the study take?
After an initial one-hour video call, you'll have a single visit to the hospital in Oxford, which could last up to five hours.
Will I get paid for taking part?
Yes, you will receive £90 for your time, and your travel expenses will be covered. You can also earn up to £10 during one of the computer tasks.
What happens if I change my mind?
You are free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or any payments you've already received.
How to find out more
Finley Watton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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