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Is Yohimbine Unsafe or Dangerous for Muscles?

Yohimbine is a naturally occurring substance manufactured synthetically for use in treating impotence and to improve sports performance. Patients with certain pre-existing conditions should not take yohimbine, and its use can lead to a number of detrimental side effects.

  1. Identification

    • Yohimbine hydrochloride (HCL) is an alkaloid found naturally in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. It is also manufactured in synthetic form by pharmaceutical companies who market it as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, and is sold by supplement manufacturers who advertise yohimbine's use as a sports supplement.

    Mechanism

    • According to a study conducted at the Psychopharmacology Department of the Institut de Recherches Servier, Centre de Recherches de Croissy, yohimbine shows a strong affinity to bind with alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, which prevents a feedback mechanism that turns off natural production of epinephrine and norepinephrine (see link in References). By interrupting this natural regulation mechanism, the body continues to produce these neurotransmitters, which increases blood pressure and heart rate and dilates blood vessels, leading to greater blood flow.

    Benefits

    • According to Drugs.com, doctors can prescribe drugs that contain yohimbe (such as Yocon or Aphrodyne) to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction that results from diabetes or blood vessel problems. Yohimbe increases blood flow into the penis. Drugs.com reports that a standard dosage consists of 5.4 mg oral tablets, taken three times a day.

      According to BodyBuilding.com, athletes and bodybuilders have used yohimbe as a sports supplement to lose weight and increase blood flow to the muscles during exercise. In the study "Alpha 2-Antagonist compounds and Lipid Mobilization: Evidence for a Lipid Mobilizing Effect of Oral Yohimbine in Healthy Male Volunteers," J. Galitzky showed that yohimbine increases lipolysis (fatty tissue breakdown) and led to fat loss in the test subjects (see link in References).

    Warning

    • Patients with cardiac or kidney problems or intestinal or stomach ulcers should not take yohimbine. Additionally, Drugs.com advises individuals with a history of mental or mood disorders or those patients already taking medicines (such as tranquilizers) to treat these conditions, should avoid using yohimbine, as it can interact with these drugs and exacerbate mood conditions.

      Drugs.com reports that yohimbine is not indicated for use in children. Women who are pregnant, could become pregnant or nursing should not use yohimbine.

      Because yohimbine can make patients dizzy, they should not drive, operate machinery or take yohimbine with alcohol until they have taken yohimbine long enough to determine its effects.

    Dangers

    • Drugs.com does not list any potential dangers to muscles (such as cramping) or muscle tissue. The results of the Galitzky study did show that yohimbine, when combined with ephedra and caffeine, could lead to potentially adverse cardiac and circulatory side effects.

      They do warn patients that yohimbine can lead to central nervous system excitability that may include side effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, irritability, tremors, sweating, nausea and twitching.

      Users have also reported dizziness, headaches and skin flushing. Patients who overdose on yohimbine may suffer from seizures, severe stomach pain, weakness, paralysis and fatigue.

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