Belladonna 55counts often derive from hospitalized individuals, and they are not necessarily
a representative sample of typical users. For example, compilers of one series
of case reports noted that six of the seven patients were psychologically ab-
normal before using belladonna. Another pair of case reports noted that both
patients had histories of depression and drug abuse.
Abuse factors.Not enough scientific information to report about likelihood
of addiction, tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal.
Drug interactions.Not enough scientific information to report about the
natural product.
Cancer.Not enough scientific information to report.
Pregnancy.Belladonna is suspected of causing birth defects if used during
pregnancy. Belladonna drugs have been given to pregnant women, however,
to control excessive salivation and vomiting, without apparent injury to off-
spring.
Additional information.“Belladonna” is a nickname forPCP, but the sub-
stances have no other connection.
Additional scientific information may be found in:
Forbes, T.R. “Why Is it Called ‘Beautiful Lady’? A Note on Belladonna.”Bulletin of the
New York Academy of Medicine53 (1977): 403–6.
Gowdy, J.M. “Stramonium Intoxication: Review of Symptomatology in 212 Cases.”
Journal of the American Medical Association221 (1972): 585–87.
Nuotto, E. “Psychomotor, Physiological and Cognitive Effects of Scopolamine and
Ephedrine in Healthy Man.”European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology24 (1983):
603–9.
Schneider, F., et al. “Plasma and Urine Concentrations of Atropine after the Ingestion
of Cooked Deadly Nightshade Berries.”Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology
34 (1996): 113–17.
Southgate, H.J., M. Egerton, and E.A. Dauncey. “Lessons to Be Learned: A Case Study
Approach. Unseasonal Severe Poisoning of Two Adults by Deadly Nightshade
(Atropa belladonna).”Journal of the Royal Society of Health120 (2000): 127–30.