rauwolfia serpentina, the dried root from Rauwolfia serpentina. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of mild hypertension and agitation due to psychosis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Mental depression, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, electroconvulsive therapy, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It can interact adversely with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are symptoms resembling parkinsonism, glaucoma, cardiac arrhythmias, and GI bleeding.
