How to Use Cialis & Yohimbe

Men who experience difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection may benefit from therapy with agents that counter sexual dysfunction, such as Cialis and yohimbe. However, these medications are considerably different from each other in terms of origin as well as mechanism of action. To avoid confusion and the risk of adverse side effects, it's important to know how Cialis and yohimbe work and how to use them correctly.

Instructions

How to Use Cialis

• 1

  Recognize that Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription-based drug approved for the treatment of male impotence by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It improves the dilation of blood vessels in penile tissue through the activity of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil. Specifically, it prevents the release of phosphodiesterase-5, which would otherwise degrade an enzyme known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cause blood to leave the penis. The goal of Cialis is to keep enough cGMP available so that an erection can fully achieved and maintained during sexual activity.

• 2

  Take 10 mg of Cialis per day, the most commonly recommended initial dosage for most men. However, based on your response to the drug, your doctor may increase or decrease this dosage. Cialis may be taken with or without food.

• 3

  Report any side effects to your doctor. Most side effects, such as stomach upset or skin flushing, are temporary and mild. However, Cialis is also known to distort vision and produce an unsafe drop in blood pressure in some men. For this reason, Cialis should not be taken with alpha-blocking drugs or nitrates.

How to Use Yohimbe

• 4

  Recognize that yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an herbal dietary supplement obtained from the bark of an African tree. It contains an alkaloid called yohimbine that produces the same effects as Cialis, but by a different mechanism. Yohimbine targets alpha2-adrenoreceptors to increase levels of noradrenaline, a steroid hormone involved in the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Several clinical trials have shown that yohimbe effectively improves erectile dysfunction in men. However, it is not FDA-approved.

• 5

  Take yohimbe orally as a liquid extract or as capsules that contain the ground bark. For maximum effectiveness, the product should be standardized to contain 6 percent yohimbine alkaloids. Follow the manufacturer's directions for whichever formulation you choose. Note that yohimbe products should be taken with meals to increase absorption. However, since this herb stimulates the central nervous system, it should not be taken with beverages or food containing high levels of caffeine.

• 6

  This herb is also a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and calcium channel blocker and should not be taken in conjunction with antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If severe anxiety or increased blood pressure occurs, discontinue using yohimbe and see your doctor.