Yohimbine hydrochloride, known also as yohimbine, is used primarily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A derivative of yohimbe bark, concerns abound when it comes to its side effects and interactions with medications. If you have high blood pressure, think twice before taking this supplement. Always speak with your doctor before using any alternative treatment methods.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem that eventually affects everyone at some point. It is defined as an excessive force of blood against the artery walls, and can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Risk factors include kidney problems, birth defects with the blood vessels and certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Yohimbine is available as both, according to the American Cancer Society.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is a substance in yohimbe bark. The bark comes from yohimbe, a tree native to Western Africa. The ACS explains yohimbe bark is infamous as a sexual stimulant, but due to side effects such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, Germany now declares it unsafe. The United States controls the substance yohimbine, carefully. It contains very little amounts of the bark, and is thought to help with men with erectile dysfunction. It may also be a sexual enhancer for women. Interestingly, the American Cancer Society, ACS, states that when left untreated, high blood pressure can result in erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbine Studies and Low Blood Pressure
Clinical reviews show that yohimbine has a slight effect on erectile dysfunction resulting from psychological causes, but not on impotence resulting from underlying physical conditions, such as high blood pressure. The ACS reports yohimbine may be beneficial for people experiencing low blood pressure who faint when standing based on people who were tested in small groups.
Yohimbine and High Blood Pressure
The ACS states normal doses of yohimbine can increase blood pressure, while large doses of 40 mg or more per day can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure. This decrease may result in heart attack or death. Drugs.com reports a normal dose as 5.4 mg three times per day. Should side effects occur, the dose is usually lowered to 2.7 mg three times per day, with a gradual increase to 5.4 mg. This is at the discretion of your doctor.
