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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking reserpine ()?

Do not take reserpine without first talking to your doctor if you

• have peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers);
• have ulcerative colitis;
• are suffering from depression (especially if you have suicidal thoughts);
• are receiving electroconvulsive shock therapy; or
• are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) or have taken one in the last 14 days.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• gallstones,
• kidney disease,
• asthma, or
• any type of heart disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with reserpine if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Reserpine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether reserpine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take reserpine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Reserpine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take reserpine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Reserpine has not been approved for use by children.

How should I take reserpine ()?

Take reserpine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take reserpine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Do not stop taking reserpine suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse or cause very serious side effects.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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