Rolipram Side Effects
- Rolipram side effects can be experienced by any patient taking the medication. According to Depression Guide, the side effects of Roilpram can include low blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, altered sleep cycle, vomiting, headache, chest pain, afternoon drowsiness, reduction in alcohol tolerance, fainting, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, sexual dysfunction, stiff neck, nausea, palpitations, sweating, chills, flushing, pallor and fear.
- Rolipram and other monoamine oxidase inhibitors are most often prescribed to patients with depression who have not experienced any symptom relief with other antidepressants. According to Depression Guide, this medication may also be prescribed to treat bipolar depression and panic disorders. According to the Clinical Trials Search Organization, Rolipram may also be beneficial in treating multiple sclerosis.
- Rolipram helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by preventing monoamine oxidase from burning up the three neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinepherine, serotonin and dopamine. By preventing the burn up of these neurotransmitters, the amount of them in the brain will increase. According to Depression Guide, patients suffering from depression have low levels of these neurotransmitters, so allowing them to build up will treat and prevent depression symptoms.
- Patients should avoid SSRI antidepressants, because taking these two medications together could result in a life-threatening rise in blood pressure. According to Depression Guide, diabetic patients may not be able to take Rolipram because it can affect their blood sugar levels. Other contraindications include patients with epilepsy, high blood pressure, bronchitis, heart problems and asthma, and those who cannot follow a strict diet.
- Patients should avoid decongestant medications, because they may increase Rolipram side effects. According to Holistic Online, other drug interactions include tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, SSRI antidepressants, serotonin antagonists, other MAOI medications, asthma medications, cold medications, high blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, low blood pressure medications, mood stabilizers, anesthetics, Demerol, Flexeril, tranquilizers, sedatives, weight loss medications, street drugs, Disulfiram, caffeine and L-dopa.
- Patients taking this medication should not consume any foods that contain tyramine, such as red wine and cheese, because it can cause dangerous side effects such as a stroke due to a rapid rise in blood pressure. According to Depression Guide, patients younger than 16 and older than 60 should not take Rolipram.