Yohimbe [Discontinued] by Herb Pharm

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial for patients with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Details: Small clinical trials suggest that taking yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, improves sexual dysfunction associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (3305,3306,3307,3311,3313,3970,3971,3972,3973). It is unclear if yohimbe bark is beneficial.
• Anxiety. There is limited evidence on the oral use of yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, for the management of various phobias. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults with a fear of flying shows that taking yohimbine hydrochloride 10 mg as an adjunct to virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) does not improve anxiety measures when compared with VRET alone (86819). However, another small clinical study in healthy adults with claustrophobia shows that taking yohimbine hydrochloride 10.8 mg prior to exposure-based treatment reduces peak fear after one week when compared with exposure-based treatment alone (86794). The effect of yohimbe bark has not been investigated in clinical research.
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial for athletic performance. Details: A small clinical study in professional soccer players shows that taking yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, 20 mg daily for 3 weeks does not improve exercise performance or build muscle mass when compared with placebo (86785). However, a small crossover study in physically active females undergoing an anaerobic exercise test shows that taking a single dose of oral yohimbine 2.5 mg 20 minutes prior to repeated sprints increases average power output, total work, and heart rate and decreases average fatigue index when compared with placebo. Additionally, taking yohimbine decreases lactic acid levels and increases epinephrine levels when compared with baseline or placebo (107849). Due to the single-dose nature of this study, the effects of continued administration of yohimbine on athletic performance are unclear. The effects of yohimbe bark have not been investigated in clinical research.
• Depression. It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial in patients with depression. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder shows that taking yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, 30 mg daily for 10 days along with desipramine does not improve symptoms of depression when compared with desipramine alone (86834). Also, a small crossover trial in patients with major depressive disorder and/or a history of adverse childhood experiences shows that taking yohimbine 10 mg once does not alter approach-avoidance behaviors normally associated with depression when compared with placebo (111402). The effects of yohimbe bark have not been investigated in clinical research.
• Dry mouth. It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial for dry mouth. Details: A very small clinical study shows that taking yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe bark, 18 mg daily for 5 days improves symptoms of dry mouth in individuals treated with antidepressants when compared with placebo (86886). The effect of yohimbe bark has not been investigated in clinical research.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED). It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial for ED. Details: The effects of yohimbe bark have not been investigated in clinical research. Most small clinical studies suggest that taking yohimbine, a constituent in yohimbe bark, seems to improve symptoms in adults with various types of ED, including organic, psychogenic, mixed, and others (3305,3307,3309,3311,3312,3313,10629,86827,86831,86878)(86882,86888,86896). A meta-analysis in patients with ED shows that taking 5-100 mg of oral yohimbine for 2-10 weeks increases the probability of erectile function improvement when compared with placebo. Also, the use of yohimbine in combination with either L-arginine or trazodone, but not as monotherapy, improves sexual function when compared with placebo (107848). These findings are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies. Due to insufficient data, guidelines from the American Urological Association do not recommend yohimbine as a treatment option for ED (86881).
• Fatigue. Although there is interest in using oral yohimbe for fatigue, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of yohimbe for this purpose.
• Obesity. Although there is interest in using oral yohimbe for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of yohimbe for this condition.
• Orthostatic hypotension. It is unclear if oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is beneficial in patients with orthostatic hypotension. Details: Some preliminary clinical research shows that taking a single dose of yohimbine 5.4 mg increases systolic blood pressure and standing diastolic blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension when compared with placebo or pyridostigmine (86811,86890). However, other preliminary clinical research shows that taking yohimbine does not improve blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic failure when compared with placebo (86821). The effect of yohimbe bark has not been investigated in clinical research. More evidence is needed to rate yohimbe for these uses.

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POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has been associated with serious adverse effects including cardiac arrhythmia, agitation, myocardial infarction, seizure, and others (17465). Some research shows that yohimbine can be safely used under close medical supervision for up to 10 weeks (3305,3307,3311,3313). However, due to safety concerns, yohimbe should not be used without medical supervision.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally. Yohimbe might have uterine relaxant effects and also cause fetal toxicity (19).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, combining yohimbe bark with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might have additive effects; however, this has not been reported in clinical research.  Details Research in healthy adults shows that taking yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe bark, in doses of 8 mg or more, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro by binding to the alpha-2 adrenoceptor (86773,86806,86835,86853). The effects of yohimbe bark itself are unclear; yohimbe bark contains 0.6% to 1.38% yohimbine, but it is unclear how much is absorbed (86862,89263).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, yohimbe might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.  Details Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist and has been reported to increase blood pressure in clinical research. Theoretically, concomitant use of yohimbe and antihypertensive drugs can interfere with blood pressure control (11,17465).

CLONIDINE (Catapres) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, yohimbe might precipitate clonidine withdrawal.  Details Chronic clonidine use can downregulate alpha-2 adrenoreceptors. Animal research and one human case report suggest that concomitant administration of yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, may precipitate clonidine withdrawal and lead to sympathomimetic toxicity, including hypertensive crisis (111406).

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, yohimbe might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that yohimbe extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes (111404).

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) INHIBITORS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, CYP2D6 inhibitors might increase the levels and adverse effects of yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe.  Details In vitro and clinical research shows that the yohimbe bark constituent, yohimbine, is metabolized by CYP2D6 isoenzymes (105688,105697,105698).

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, yohimbe might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2D6 substrates.  Details In vitro research suggests that yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe bark, inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme activity (23117).

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase the levels and adverse effects of yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe bark.  Details In vitro and clinical research shows that the yohimbe bark constituent, yohimbine, is metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes (105688,105698). Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 might increase the levels and adverse effects of yohimbine.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, yohimbe might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that yohimbe extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes (111404).

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIs) Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Likely •  Level of Evidence = D Concomitant use of MAOIs with yohimbe can result in additive effects.  Details Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has MAO inhibitory effects. At high doses, yohimbine is a non-selective inhibitor of MAO (11,12).

PHENOTHIAZINES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, using yohimbine with phenothiazines might have additive effects.  Details Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist effects. Theoretically, combining it with phenothiazines can cause additive alpha-2 adrenergic antagonism (19).

STIMULANT DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking yohimbe with stimulant drugs can have additive effects.  Details Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has sympathomimetic effects and increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Theoretically, taking yohimbe with stimulant drugs can have additive stimulant and hypertensive effects (11,12,105698).

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS (TCAs) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking yohimbe with TCAs can increase adverse effects.  Details A small clinical study in patients taking TCAs for at least 4 weeks shows that receiving doses of intravenous yohimbine 2.5-20 mg daily for up to 7 days precipitates severe anxiety, agitation, and tremor (105881). The effects of yohimbe bark itself are unclear; oral yohimbe bark contains 0.6% to 1.38% yohimbine, but it is unclear how much is absorbed (86862,89263).

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General ...Orally, there is limited information available about the adverse effects of yohimbe. Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, might be unsafe; most reported adverse effects are dose-related.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has been associated with anxiety, agitation, diaphoresis, diarrhea, flushing, headache, hypertension, increased urination, nausea, tachycardia, tremors, vertigo, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has been associated with atrial fibrillation, hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction, and QT interval prolongation.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has been associated with hypertension, especially at higher doses (3312,17465,86801,86802,86804,86811,86820,86822,86834,86856)(86786,86896). A case of hypertensive crisis was reported in a 63-year-old male taking a yohimbine-containing herbal product once daily for one month. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous nitroprusside followed by clonidine (91521). Tachycardia, fluid retention, palpitations, and chest discomfort have also been reported (3312,17465,86786,86793,86801,86802,86804,86822,86843,86854)(86856,86866,86867,86869,86871,86874,86875). Conduction abnormalities have also been reported (86856,86786). There have been some reports of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and QT interval prolongation (17465). In theory, these effects may also occur with the use of yohimbe bark extract.

Dermatologic ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may cause rash, erythrodermic skin eruption, and exanthema (3312,3971,86804,86896,86878).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may cause nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress (3970,17465,49902,86780,86781,86786,86801,86804,86824,86827)(86828,86829,86863,86878,86882,86896).

Genitourinary ...Orally, yohimbine may cause dartos contraction or decreased libido in some patients (86786,86882). A case of severe intractable priapism has been reported for a 42-year-old male who took a supplement containing yohimbe extract the previous day for sexual enhancement. Treatment with phenylephrine 400 mcg was unsuccessful at resolving the priapism, so surgical insertion of a proximal cavernosal spongiosum shunt was needed (86804).

Hematologic ...A case of drug-induced agranulocytosis has been reported following prolonged use of oral yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe (86877).

Immunologic ...There is one report of a hypersensitivity reaction including fever; chills; malaise; itchy, scaly skin; progressive renal failure; and lupus-like syndrome associated with ingestion of a one-day dose of yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe (6169).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may cause muscle aches (86850).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, has been associated with reports of general central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic excitation, tremulousness, head twitching, seizure threshold changes, enhanced brain norepinephrine release, decreased energy, dizziness, vertigo, and headache (3312,3971,86774,86779,86786,86804,86827,86857,86870,86882)(86883). Cold feet and chills have also been reported with yohimbine (86827,86896). Other adverse reactions include flushing and diaphoresis (17465). Excessive doses of yohimbine can also cause paralysis (11,18). A case of acute neurotoxicity characterized by malaise, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and seizures has been reported for a 37-year-old bodybuilder who ingested a single dose of yohimbine 5 grams. Improvement was seen within 12 hours following treatment with furosemide, labetalol, clonidine, urapidil, and gastrointestinal decontamination (86801).

Psychiatric ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may increase malaise, fatigue, insomnia, restlessness, agitation, and anxiety (3312,3970,3971,17465,86786,86801,86804,86822,86827,86834)(86868,86878,86882,86896). In a clinical study of healthy subjects, administration of yohimbine increased impulsivity, with larger doses increasing impulsivity more than 50% (86784,86810).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may cause bronchospasm, tachypnea, cough, and rhinorrhea (17465,86825,86850). A case of sinusitis characterized by pain and discomfort above both eyes has been reported for a 59-year-old male taking yohimbine 5.4 mg three times daily to treat erectile dysfunction. Symptoms resolved within 24 hours of discontinuing yohimbine. The effect was attributed to the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist effects of yohimbine (94112). Excessive doses of yohimbine can cause respiratory depression (1118).

Renal ...Orally, yohimbine, a constituent of yohimbe, may increase urinary frequency (3312,3970,3971,17465,86804,86827,86850,86861,86882). A case of acute renal failure has been reported for a 42-year-old male taking yohimbine. Normalization of renal function was achieved following 2 weeks of treatment with corticosteroids. The renal dysfunction was attributed to yohimbine-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (6169).

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