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**[ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION]{.underline}**

[NASA JSC]{.smallcaps} typically prescribes an anti-nausea medication
called [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} to Reduced Gravity fliers in an effort to
prevent motion sickness during parabolic flight. It is available to
participants in the RGSFOP by prescription ONLY from a NASA JSC Flight
Surgeon and distributed ONLY just prior to flight.

The information provided below is designed to help your flight crew
members decide whether or not they would like to take an anti-nausea
medication during your team's flight. Please distribute this information
to all fliers so that they will have ample opportunity to discuss any
concerns with their personal physician.

**[ANTI-MOTION SICKNESS MEDICATION INFORMATION]{.underline}**

As you prepare for your flight aboard NASA's Reduced Gravity Aircraft,
one of the issues to be considered is the possibility that you will
develop motion sickness during flight. Years of experience at NASA have
shown that a particular medication combination ([Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps})
is quite effective in preventing motion sickness. [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps}
is a controlled substance used by NASA for thirty years with almost no
adverse effects. [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} is not commercially available;
however, it is available to flyers participating in the NASA Reduced
Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program by prescription ONLY from a
JSC Flight Surgeon. It is strongly recommended that you discuss the use
of [Scop-Dex,]{.smallcaps} or any anti-nausea medication, with your
personal physician before making any decision regarding its use.

**[SCOP-DEX FACTS]{.underline}**

-   [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} is a combination of Scopolamine (0.4 mg) and
    Dexedrine (5 mg) tablets. This combination is used in an attempt to
    avoid motion sickness in passengers on-board the aircraft. These
    medications are prescribed base on the weight of the flyer.
    First-time flyers that weigh less than 110 lb. (45 kg) are
    prescribed 0.4 mg of Scopolamine and 5 mg of Dexedrine. Flyers
    weighing between 110 and 185 lb (45 and 85 kg) are prescribed 0.8 mg
    of Scopolamine and 5 mg of Dexedrine. Flyers who weigh over 185 lb
    (85 kg) are prescribed 1.2 mg of Scopolamine and 5 mg of Dexedrine.

-   Taking [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps}, or any other anti-nausea medication,
    is not required for flight. Persons who take [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps}
    do so on a strictly voluntary basis. NASA considers
    [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} to be a safe and effective medication.

-   Historically, 60% of first-time student flyers in the Reduced
    Gravity program experience significant motion sickness, including
    nausea and vomiting. However, when students carefully follow the
    instructions of the flight personnel, and use the recommended dosage
    of [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps}, this motion sickness rate drops to 15% or
    less.

-   [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} is contraindicated in pregnancy. If you know
    you are or may be pregnant, consult with your personal physician
    about flying and, if cleared, refrain from taking the
    [Scop-Dex.]{.smallcaps}

-   Side effects while using [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} are possible, but
    not probable in most people. The most common side effects reported
    are: drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, over-stimulation, and
    headache. Dry-mouth is the most common of the side effects reported,
    but it does not usually last very long. Almost no other symptoms or
    side effects occur.

-   [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} has been used at NASA for more than thirty
    years. Approximately 50,000 doses have been administered with almost
    no adverse effects.

-   [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} tablets are administered to the flyer by the
    Crew Flight Surgeon approximately 60 minutes prior to take-off. The
    effect usually lasts 4-6 hours, but in some rare cases, the
    medication remains in the body for up to 12 hours. Team members who
    have taken [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} are advised not to drive after the
    flight ends, and must name a Designated Driver to transport them
    from the airfield back to their desired location.

-   Recommended precautions: (1) Consult your physician before taking
    [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps} with other medications; (2) You may perspire
    less after taking [Scop-Dex]{.smallcaps}, so avoid heat and vigorous
    exercise; (3) DO NOT drink alcohol while taking [Scop-Dex;
    (4)]{.smallcaps} If you experience confusion, restlessness,
    disorientation, hallucinations or any other adverse effect, report
    these to a physician immediately; (5) DO NOT DRIVE after taking
    [Scop-Dex;]{.smallcaps} use a Designated Driver.

-   Some fatigue may be experienced after the medication effects wear
    off. In most cases the medication's effect is gone within a few
    hours after the flight.

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-   For additional information about [Scop-Dex,]{.smallcaps} including
    if taken with other medications, side effects, or other concerns
    contact Mike Fox at NASA JSC via email \<mike.fox1@jsc.nasa.gov\> or
    telephone 281-792-5724.