Mental depression can potentially be severe and can occur in any patient receiving the drug. Therapy should be discontinued if signs of depression are reported. Reserpine-induced depression can last for several months following discontinuance of the drug. Edema with fluid retention and dyspnea can occur with reserpine therapy, and eventually can lead to congestive heart failure. These adverse effects can be alleviated by concomitant administration of a diuretic.
Reserpine can cause miosis, which is slight, but can last up to a week after a single dose.
Conjunctivitis has been reported secondary to conjunctival blood vessel dilation. Reserpine-induced angina and cardiac arrhythmias are more likely to occur during concomitant administration of procainamide, cardiac glycosides, or quinidine. Gastric acid secretion is increased during reserpine therapy, possibly aggravating or reactivating peptic ulcer disease. Reserpine can cause various types of sexual dysfunction. Libido decrease can be seen in both men and women.