Reserpine
SERPASIL
Pronunciation: re-SER-peen
“serpent re-slurping (dopamine)”
What it isIrreversible VMAT inhibitor depleting monoamine stores; historical antihypertensive.
Why this oneIt demonstrated that depleting monoamines causes depression, which founded the monoamine hypothesis.
What limits itSevere depression and suicide at the doses once used. Sedation, nasal congestion and peptic ulceration; effect persists for weeks.
Reserpine prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antihypertensives (1953–2026). Reserpine enters in 1953 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- hypertension (1955)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskSevere depression and suicide at the doses once used
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityDepression, suicidality and prolonged sympathetic depletion
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Self-check
- Reserpine: Which transporter is irreversibly inhibited?
VMAT. - Reserpine: How long can effects persist?
Weeks.