Yohimbine is the active chemical extracted from the bark of a yohimbe, a tree found in Africa. People use it as a supplement for libido support and fat loss. It is a prescription drug in the United States under names such as Actibine, Aphrodyne, Yohimar, Yohimex and Yoman. Before you take yohimbine, please consult with your doctor.
Types
Yohimbine is available from a pharmacy with a prescription, over-the-counter or on the Internet. For oral administration, you can ingest pure yohimbine hydrochloride or the actual yohimbe bark and its extracts that contain the main yohimbine chemical as well as other alkaloids such as corynantheidine, pseudoyohimbine and rauwolscine, which can affect your body differently. It is also available for external administration as a transdermal skin lotion to target specific areas for your fat loss.
Identification
Although the standard prescription dose is 5.4 mg three times per day, each individual has different needs so proper dosing identification is necessary. If you have prepackaged product from a store or pharmacy, look at the product label for the total amount of yohimbine in milligrams per serving. If you buy bulk yohimbine hydrochloride powder, you must use a scale to measure the dosage. Avoid preparing your own yohimbe tea unless you are very familiar with that particular raw bark. It is better to use yohimbine hydrochloride instead of yohimbe extracts, which contain several varying alkaloids for reliable measurement and effect purposes.
Effects
Yohimbine is used for weight loss. A study published in the "Israel Journal of Medical Sciences" in 1991 found that 20 overweight women on a three-week, 1,000-calorie diet given 20 mg of yohimbine daily lost 7.82 lbs. while those on the placebo lost 4.87 lbs. Because yohimbine is also an aphrodisiac, you might burn extra calories in the bedroom. For 30 to 45 minutes of sex, a 175-lb. man burns an average of 150 to 200 calories.
Warning
Yohimbine and yohimbe have several serious common side effects that include breathing problems, blood pressure changes, chest pain, heart palpitations, vomiting and insomnia. Some of these lead to heart attacks and death. Less serious but common side effects are skin flushing, headaches, sweating, nausea and anxiety. If you experience any of these from yohimbine or yohimbe, you should go to a doctor or hospital. You should avoid consuming aged cheese, red wine, beer or any other tyramine-containing foods while using yohimbine because it acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Considerations
Because yohimbine has a lot of potential side effects, start with low doses and gradually build up your tolerance. A total of 16.2 mg of yohimbine daily is the standard prescription dose, and 40 mg would be a large dose. Although you can purchase yohimbe over-the-counter, consider getting a doctor's prescription, professional guidance and checkups if you are worried about the side effects. You should consider other weight loss techniques such as dieting, nutrition, exercise and other supplements with less serious risks.
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