Have you been prescribed Reserpine? You must know these things (Reserpine)

High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure" is a health problem that many people in our country have today. So, doctors prescribe various medications for this. You may have been prescribed a similar medication too. Today we are going to talk about a somewhat old but still used medication called Reserpine, which is given for such pressure. If you are a user of this medication, this article will be very important for you.

Simply put, what is this Reserpine?

Reserpine is a type of medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe this medication for other health conditions. So, if you have any questions about what this medication is used for, it's best to ask your doctor directly.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before giving you Reserpine, your doctor will need to know your complete medical history. This is very important because this medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have had depression before: Reserpine can sometimes cause or worsen depression. So if you have had a similar condition before, it is important to mention it.
• If you have gallstones.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you are receiving or have received ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy): This is a treatment usually given for severe mental illness.
• If you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
• If you have a stomach ulcer.
• If you have ulcerative colitis.
• If you have allergies to Reserpine or other medications, foods, or dyes: For example, some people may be allergic to things like tartrazine dye and lactose, which are found in some pills.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.

How should I use this medicine?

It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.

• Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor tells you. That way, you won't forget to take it.
• Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly and dangerously increase.
• If giving this medicine to children: Talk to a pediatrician about it and only do it under their advice. Special care may be needed.

What to do if the medication dose is increased?

If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Go immediately to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest government hospital. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I forget to take my medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Other medications that may interact with Reserpine

It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, traditional medicines, and even herbs, because Reserpine can interact with some other medications.

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also, don't forget to tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Regular check-ups: Visit the clinic on scheduled days to see your doctor and get your condition checked. If you are checking your blood pressure at home, ask what your normal blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
• Don't get up suddenly: Don't get up suddenly, whether from a sitting or lying position. Be especially careful if you are an elderly person . If you get up suddenly, you may feel dizzy and fall. Get into the habit of getting up slowly.
• Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. It can also increase dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.

What are the possible side effects of the medication?

Like any medicine, Reserpine can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. You can clearly see this in the table below.

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