Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Suggestions that rauwolfia alkaloids may increase the risk of breast cancer occurring later have not been proven. However, rats and mice given 100 to 300 times the human dose had an increased number of tumors.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Drowsiness or faintness
  2. impotence or decreased sexual interest
  3. lack of energy or weakness
  4. mental depression or inability to concentrate
  5. nervousness or anxiety
  6. vivid dreams or nightmares or early-morning sleeplessness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Dizziness

Less common

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. bloody vomit
  3. chest pain
  4. headache
  5. irregular heartbeat
  6. shortness of breath
  7. slow heartbeat
  8. stomach cramps or pain

Rare

  1. Painful or difficult urination
  2. skin rash or itching
  3. stiffness
  4. trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
  5. unusual bleeding or bruising

Symptoms of overdose

  1. Dizziness or drowsiness (severe)
  2. flushing of skin
  3. pinpoint pupils of eyes
  4. slow pulse

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  1. Diarrhea
  2. dryness of mouth
  3. loss of appetite
  4. nausea and vomiting
  5. stuffy nose

Less common

  1. Swelling of feet and lower legs

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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