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What happens if I miss a dose ()?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose ()?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a reserpine overdose include low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, weakness); slow pulse; low body temperature; diarrhea; and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking reserpine ()?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Reserpine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy while taking reserpine and you may fall and injure yourself if you get up quickly.

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather or during exercise. Also avoid standing for long periods of time and use caution if you have a fever. These situations increase the effects of reserpine in your body, and you may become very dizzy.

Avoid alcohol while taking reserpine. It may increase the drowsiness you experience from reserpine therapy and may also increase dizziness. Use caution even with small amounts of alcohol.

Do not take other drugs such as sleeping pills, prescription pain relievers, antihistamines, or antidepressants without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may increase the drowsiness caused by reserpine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

What other drugs will affect reserpine ()?

Do not take reserpine if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have taken one in the last 14 days. MAOIs, used to treat depression, include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Before taking reserpine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
• quinidine (Cardioquin); or
• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).

You may require special monitoring or a dose adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Reserpine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with reserpine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about reserpine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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