Reserpine Side Effects

Reserpine is a prescription medication most commonly used to treat people with high blood pressure, although it is also sometimes used to treat people who become agitated as a result of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. It is classified as a rauwolfia alkaloid and works by lowering the level of brain chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which then helps lower blood pressure. As with all high blood pressure medications, it is most effective when used along with a change in diet and increase in physical exercise to help bring blood pressure into a healthy range. Typically, Reserpine is taken orally, usually in pill form, once or twice a day.

Nonserious Side Effects

• Some people taking Reserpine have reported experiencing the following side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, nasal congestion, dry mouth, muscle aches, nosebleeds and nausea. None of these is cause for concern. However, because some patients taking Reserpine will become drowsy or dizzy as a result of the medication, it is important to avoid driving or performing other tasks requiring concentration until you know how it will affect you.

Serious Side Effects

• In rare cases, patients taking Reserpine may develop serious side effects that indicate a potential complication requiring treatment. Stop taking the medication and notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: unexplained weight gain, decrease in sexual desire or ability, depression, anxiety, vision or hearing changes, nervousness, nightmares, mood changes or changes in sleep habits, fainting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, breast tenderness or enlargement, diarrhea, a slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and difficult or painful urination.

Allergic Reactions

• As with all medications, in rare cases patients taking Reserpine may experience an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the medication. Common signs of a severe allergic reaction include hives, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue and mouth. People experiencing a severe reaction can lose consciousness and go into shock, so immediate medial attention is necessary.

Warnings

• Reserpine is not safe for all people, including those with ulcerative colitis or peptic ulcers, people with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions, and those who have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors or furazolidone in the last two weeks. People who are have kidney problems or will be undergoing surgical procedures should discuss their full medical history with their doctor before taking Reserpine.

Drug Interactions

• As with many medications, Reserpine is known to interact with several other medications, possibly causing dangerous reactions or side effects. People taking digoxin or quinidine with Reserpine have an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat. Reserpine may not be as effective when taken with tricyclic antidepressants. Taking Reserpine with phenylephrine or isoproterenol increases the likelihood of experiencing the side effects of those drugs. Additionally, sympathomimetics and amphetamine may not be as effective when taken with Reserpine.