Yohimbe is a tree that originates in western Africa. The bark of the tree contains a powerful chemical called yohimbine, which is used as a prescription medicine throughout the world, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Yohimbe bark extract has been used as a supplement for many conditions but there are certain side effects and drug interactions that researchers report could lead to serious complications.
Side Effects
No clinical trials have been conducted on yohimbe to determine its effectiveness on health conditions, according to the NCCAM. Yohimbe has been reported to cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety and sleeplessness. Yohimbe is not recommended in large doses and for long periods of time because it is considered dangerous. Multiple adverse side effects have also been reported from the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, with the use of yohimbe bark extract. Individuals have complained of skin flushing, painful urination and reduced appetite associated with the drug yohimbine. Studies report that yohimbe bark extract naturally contains amounts of yohimbine.
Yohimbe is not recommended for people with a history of mental illness because it can promote panic attacks and manic episodes, according to the NIH. Symptoms of yohimbe toxicity are associated with heart abnormalities, very low blood pressure, paralysis and even death. Yohimbe should not be taken while pregnant or breast feeding because it has been reported to be toxic to the baby.
Drug Interactions
Several drug interactions may occur with the use of the drug yohimbine hydrocholoride, which the NIH reports may also apply to yohimbe bark extract. Yohimbine may block the effects of alpha-adrenergic meds and can increase the effects of anti-adrenergic drugs. The use of yohimbine should be avoided by people who use MAO inhibitors or other drugs to treat high blood pressure. The NIH claims that ethanol or alcohol should be avoided with yohimbine because it has been reported to increase intoxication. Caution is advised when using drugs that lower blood sugar; patients diagnosed with diabetes should monitor their insulin levels closely. Yohimbine may also interfere with the liver and the way the body processes drugs. Individuals using any medications or drugs should be monitored for any possible interactions and adverse reactions.
Safe Dosage
The NIH reports the following safe doses of standardized yohimbine hydrochloride, a variation drug of yohimbe. Individuals with erectile dysfunction and poor libido have reported safe dosage of 15 to 42mg of yohimbine per day, divided in three doses. Other safe doses have been reported for dry mouth at 6mg of yohimbine taken orally three times per day. Individuals suffering from sexual side effects caused by certain drugs are recommended safe doses of yohimbine at 2.7 to 16.2mg per day, according to the NIH. Individuals younger than the age of 18 should avoid yohimbe and yohimbine hydrochloride products.
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