The herbal supplement yohimbe commonly is used as an aphrodisiac and by men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. In some cases, men turn to the herb to help improve the sexual side effects caused by drugs classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, of which Zoloft is one. However, while the two products themselves do not interact, using them together does pose risks for people who have depression.
Yohimbe With Antidepressants
Because of potential risks, people should only take yohimbe along with a prescription antidepressant if they are under the care and supervision of a doctor, the University of Michigan Health System advises. In particular, the chemical yohimbine in yohimbe can alter your body similarly to how antidepressants classified as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, do. For this reason, they should not be used together, MedlinePlus reports. Yohimbe can also interact with another class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs, when taken with yohimbe, can cause heart problems. Zoloft, meanwhile, is an antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. While these drugs pose no risk of interactions with yohimbe, you should always tell a doctor about all the medications and supplements you use to help prevent dangerous reactions.
Yohimbe Effects in People With Depression
While SSRIs pose no risks of interacting with yohimbe, people with depression should not use the supplement because it may cause suicidal tendencies, MedlinePlus reports. In addition, people with bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes as a result of using yohimbe. These effects can occur regardless of any prescriptions drugs used to treat the conditions, so yohimbe simply should not be used by people diagnosed with either depression or bipolar disorder. No matter your health, you should not use yohimbe unless you have first consulted with a doctor.
Other Yohimbe Interactions
In addition to potentially serious effects when taken with MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants, several other medications may cause interactions when taken with yohimbe. Because yohimbe may raise blood pressure levels, people taking antihypertensive drugs to treat high blood pressure should not use it, MedlinePlus reports. Other drugs that can interact with yohimbe include stimulants, phenothiazines, naloxone, clonidine and guanabez. Supplements that are best avoided when using yohimbe include ephedra and other products containing caffeine. Before you use yohimbe, first visit with a doctor who can advise you of potential reactions and how to use it safely.
Zoloft Interactions
Although Zoloft does not interact directly with yohimbe, the medicine can cause potentially serious reactions when taken with other medications. You should not take any MAOI medication within two weeks of using Zoloft, and you also cannot use disulfiram while taking the drug. Other medications that may cause interactions include other antidepressants; anticoagulants; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; sedatives; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; anti-anxiety medications; drugs used for mental illness, seizures and Parkinson's disease; oral diabetes drugs; medications used to control an irregular heartbeat; migraine-prevention medications; diazepam; lithium; digoxin; cimetidine; and sibutramine, or Meridia. Do not add Zoloft to your medication regimen without first talking to a doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take -- including over-the-counter products.
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