What is yohimbine?

Yohimbine is found in the bark of a West African tree called Pausinystalia yohimbe and is most commonly used to as an aphrodisiac and to improve erectile function. It increases the amount of adrenergic activity in your body which raises your heart rate and blood pressure and creates an effect similar to amphetamines. The bark is usually ground up and sold in capsules or liquid form. It can also be brewed with hot water and made into tea. It is reddish in colour and has a bitter taste.

What are the effects of yohimbine?

• Men don't immediately get a raging boner after taking yohimbine, but it can increase sexual arousal, make men's erections harder and helps them last longer.
• It triggers the 'fight or flight' responses in your body, so hearts beat faster and blood pressure rises.
• You will get sweaty. Very hot and sweaty, as your body temperature escalates
• Eyes usually get become red and bloodshot.
• A high dosage of yohimbine can cause strong hallucinations.
• You may experience high alertness and stay awake for long periods of time.
• Nerves are stimulated and it increases your breathing capacity, so some people use it as an exercise or weight loss aid.

What are the risks of taking yohimbine?

• Potential side effects include: anxiety, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, temporary paralysis, and a serious fall in blood pressure.
• If you are a nervous person, this isn't the drug for you. Yohimbine can over-stimulate the nervous system and increase anxiety, which isn't particularly helpful if you already have problems with anxiety or panic attacks.
• If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, taking yohimbine can be dangerous as it gets your heart thumping and your blood pumping.
• Hallucinations aren't something you have any control over. Therefore if you trip on this drug you may have a scary and upsetting experience.
• Users can experience a difficulty in breathing.
• There have been reports of men having painful and sustained erections.

Yohimbine and the law:

Yohimbine is not currently listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and is therefore legal to possess and sell.

Yohimbine is also known as:

Herbal viagra, yohimbix8, and yohimbe

If you are planning on taking yohimbine:

• Do not mix yohimbine with foods containing tyramine, like cheese, wine, and overripe fruit. It can cause a dangerous, and potentially fatal, reaction called hypertensive crisis.
• It is dangerous to mix yohimbine with other stimulants.
• Do not take yohimbine if you are pregnant. It can cause miscarriages.
• If you are on antidepressants, this can interfere with your medication.

Updated: 06/12/2010