Reserpine (By Mouth)

Reserpine (re-SER-peen)

Treats high blood pressure and other conditions. Belongs to a class of drugs called rauwolfia alkaloids.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to reserpine. You should not use reserpine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
• May be taken with or without food or milk.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose of reserpine, You should not use the missed dose at all, just return to your regular dosing schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking diet pills, or medicine for allergies or colds.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking if you have heart, kidney, or Parkinson's disease, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), stomach or intestinal ulcers, gallstones, colitis, or depression.
• Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Reserpine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking reserpine before having any kind of surgery.
• Don't suddenly stop taking reserpine without first asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Skin rash, blisters, severe itching or hives
• Severe stomach pain
• Dark or bloody stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, nervousness, or trouble concentrating
• Drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting
• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Dry mouth or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea or weight gain
• Sexual trouble
• Depressed mood, strange dreams, or nightmares
• Breast swelling in men

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.