Reserpine

Category: alkaloid

Pharmacological Mechanism

Indole alkaloid from Rauwolfia serpentina. Irreversible VMAT2 inhibitor — depletes catecholamines and serotonin from synaptic vesicles. Antihypertensive (largely abandoned for SSRI-precipitated depression risk); historical interest for the "monoamine hypothesis" of depression.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 33h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 0.1mg (Range: 0.05 - 0.25 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous
• cardiovascular