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reserpine - oral

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GENERIC NAME: RESERPINE - ORAL (re-SER-peen)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Reserpine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It works by decreasing certain substances in the body (such as norepinephrine). This causes the blood vessels to relax so that blood can flow more easily and also slows the heart rate. These effects help to lower blood pressure.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. The risk of serious side effects may be increased.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, and stuffy nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, fainting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unexplained/sudden weight gain, enlarged breasts (in males), unusual breast discharge (in females).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: very slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual bleeding/bruising, unusual/uncontrolled movements (such as tremor), muscle stiffness.This medication has caused depression. Depression may persist for several months after stopping the drug. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of depression, including mental/mood changes (such as persistent/severe sadness, thoughts of suicide), trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, decreased sexual interest/ability.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.