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Yohimbine Dangers

Yohimbine is an active ingredient in the bark of the yohimbe tree, a type of evergreen tree that is native to Australia. Yohimbine is available as a prescription, and according to the Mayo Clinic it is used to increase blood flow to the surface, and is most commonly prescribed to treat impotence. Yohimbine does come with some precautions that must be noted.

  1. Dizziness

    • According to Drug Information Online, one of the possible side effects of yohimbine is dizziness. For this reason, you must be aware that dizziness can occur at any time while you are on the drug, which means that you should use caution if you operate machinery, drive a car or use any other equipment. A sudden change in physical position can also cause you to feel dizzy as your body tries to adjust the blood flow. People experiencing dizziness should discontinue driving or operating equipment.

    Serious Side Effects

    • The American Cancer Society reports that side effects of yohimbine can also affect the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Reported dangers include trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid and irregular heartbeat, chest pain and trouble sleeping. Due to its ability to affect blood flow, yohimbine can also cause an increase in blood pressure. What is interesting, however, is that according to the ACS, if you take yohimbine in a dosage that is more than 40 mg per day, it can have the opposite affect and can cause your blood pressure to drop, even to the point where the low blood pressure can lead to a heart attack and possible death. Dizziness and lightheadedness can be a sign of low blood pressure, so if you are experiencing these symptoms at all while you are on yohimbine, speak to your physician.

    Less Serious Side Effects

    • There are some side effects of yohimbine that are not quite as serious as those listed above, but they can still make you uncomfortable. These side effects include headaches, irritability, anxiety and nervousness, skin flushing and rashes, sweating and possible muscle tremors. According to the Mayo Clinic, these issues tend to subside over time, as your body adjusts to the medication.

      If you have been prescribed yohimbine, discuss all possible side effects with your doctor, especially if you are currently on any other medications because yohimbine can interact with some other drugs.

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