Yohimbe

The herbal product yohimbe contains an alkaloid called yohimbine. It is purported to be an aphrodisiac and has been used since a long time for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a male is not able to have, or maintain the erection of his penis in order to have satisfying sexual relations. Yohimbe is supposed to relax and dilate blood vessels of the penis. This results in increase of blood flow which encourages an erection.
Certain studies done on laboratory animals have shown that yohimbe also increased the amount and activity of sperm produced by the animals. It may also work on exciting the parts of the brain that are involved sexual emotions. It may work desirably on men who have erection problems arising out of diabetes or usage of antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors may.
It has also been used for weight reduction because when taken in low doses it may stimulate the nerves and result in increased breathing capability. The same reasoning has also led it to be used as an exercise-enhancer. The ability to stimulate the nerves also makes it effective in treating narcolepsy. This is a disorder which causes abnormal sleepiness. It is characterized by uncontrollable attacks of sleep during daytime.
When taken higher doses, say more than 50 mg per day it may block an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) and also reduce the blood levels of neurotransmitters chiefly serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are believed to play a significant role in influencing emotions. Now, a low level of MAO relieves feelings of depression, on the other hand reduced levels of serotonin and dopamine may worsen the same. This kind of opposing effects may worsen the state of depression. If the person is already taking any medication for depression, then yohimbe might interfere with it. Higher doses of yohimbe are capable of blocking alpha receptors. This may help in the reduction of blood pressure.
Exercising Precaution while taking Yohimbe
Yohimbe is supposed to influence the way body eliminates water. This may be damaging especially if a person suffers from kidney ailments. So it is not advisable for patients with kidney problems to take it or products made with it. Other than that people who suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia are also advised against taking it as it may result in enlargement of the prostate.
Since it affects the levels of neurotransmitters thus affecting emotional state, those people who have not suffered from mental conditions should avoid taking it.
Females, especially pregnant ones should avoid taking yohimbe because firstly, it has not shown any significant beneficial effects in women. Secondly it may affect the uterus by relaxing it, which may result in a miscarriage. Furthermore, certain chemicals present in it may be harmful to a developing fetus. These harmful chemicals may enter the breast milk as well, so it would be better that women who are breastfeeding do not take it.
Severe Side Effects
Higher doses of yohimbe, say more than 40 mg a day may over-stimulate the central nervous system. This would result in anxiety, restlessness, headache, insomnia, among other symptoms. However, overdosing has not known to have caused deaths. Other major side effects are:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Temporary paralysis of muscle in the legs and feet
• Alterations in heart rhythm
• Serious falls in blood pressure
A single case of priapism that is, a painful sustained erection has also been reported to have been caused due to yohimbe.
It has been reported that hallucinations have been caused due to smoking or inhaling powdered yohimbe bark.
Minor Side Effects
Low doses of yohimbine, say less than 20 mg a day may result in the following side effects:
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fast heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• General weakness
• Nervousness
• Drooling
• Increased urine production
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
Interactions
Prescription Drugs:
Yohimbe may interfere with the effects of drugs that help in lowering blood pressure. These drugs maybe:
• ACE inhibitors like captopril, fosinopril, enalapril and lisinopril
• Beta blockers like metoprolol, atenolol and propranolol
• Diuretics like furosemide, Dyazide, and hydrochlorothiazide
• Calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, amlodipine, and verapamil
The effects on blood pressure may be more pronounced if a person is taking yohimbe while undergoing treatment with tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, amoxapine or doxepin.
When it is taken by a person who is also taking antipsychotic drugs then it interferes with the effect of the drug. So it is better that people who take the following drugs, do not take yohimbe:
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• quetiapine (Seroquel)
• olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• risperidone (Risperdal)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Over-the-Counter Drugs:
Remedies for cough and cold may contain phenylepherine or pseudoephedrine (PSE). These drugs might cause side effects like dizziness, anxiety, fast heart beat, headache, nausea, insomnia, and restlessness if yohimbe is taken around the same time.
Herbal Remedies:
Yohimbe may react with certain herbal products like guarana, ephedra, and cause increase in blood pressure. A sudden steep increase in blood pressure is known as a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms of the same include difficulty in breathing, intense headache, confusion, numb or tingling fingers or toes.
Food:
Since caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, taking it might increase the stimulation effect of yohimbe. This may result in irritability and excess nervousness. This may also increase the chances of a hypertensive crisis. So it is better to avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and soft drinks when taking yohimbe.