Description
- Depletes Neurotransmitters: Reserpine depletes stores of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in nerve endings, reducing the body’s “fight-or-flight” response.
- Relaxes Blood Vessels: This depletion causes blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation), decreasing peripheral resistance and lowering blood pressure.
- Calms the Nervous System: It also has sedative and tranquilizing effects, beneficial for anxiety associated with hypertension.
Benefits for Blood Pressure:
- Antihypertensive: Directly lowers elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Long-Term Management: Considered useful for long-term management of essential hypertension.
- Reduces Complications: Helps prevent complications like heart disease and stroke.
Important Considerations & Side Effects:
- Medical Supervision is Crucial: Due to potent effects, use only under a doctor’s guidance.
- Potential Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, depression (especially with prolonged use), nasal congestion, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Contraindications: Avoid if you have a history of depression, gallbladder disease, peptic ulcers, or certain heart conditions like pheochromocytoma
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