At a glance
Effects
- Fat mobilisation / lipolysis: Blocking α2-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue removes the brake on norepinephrine-driven fat breakdown, making yohimbine particularly studied for stubborn-area fat loss during fasting or caloric restriction [4].
- Erectile function support: Peripheral α2-receptor blockade increases blood flow and has historically been used for psychogenic erectile dysfunction; evidence is modest and current guidelines do not strongly endorse it [2][5].
- Noradrenergic / stimulant arousal: Central noradrenaline elevation produces wakefulness, heightened alertness, and increased energy expenditure; this is also the root of its anxiogenic side effects [3].
- Blood-pressure elevation: Sympathomimetic norepinephrine surge raises both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; this is both a reported performance effect and a principal safety concern [6].
Indole alkaloid / α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist
~1–2 hours (rapidly absorbed and eliminated)
Oral (primary); IV used in clinical research only
Absorption complete within 45–60 min after oral dose
OTC supplement (unscheduled); not FDA-approved for any indication; prescription Rx (Yocon) discontinued in many markets
About Yohimbine
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid derived from the bark of the West African tree *Pausinystalia yohimbe*, classified as a selective alpha-2 (α2) adrenergic receptor antagonist [1]. It has been used as a supplement and historical prescription agent primarily for fat-loss support, erectile dysfunction, and stimulant/noradrenergic effects [2].
How it works
Yohimbine blocks presynaptic α2-adrenergic receptors, which normally act as a brake on norepinephrine (noradrenaline) release [1]. By removing this inhibitory feedback, it drives increased norepinephrine output throughout the sympathetic nervous system [3]. The resulting surge in noradrenaline raises heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate, and in fatty tissue it promotes lipolysis (fat mobilisation) by lifting the α2-mediated suppression of fat breakdown — particularly in areas dense in α2 receptors [4]. It also interacts with dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT1A, and alpha-1 receptors, adding further complexity to its psychological and cardiovascular effects [1].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Yohimbine reliably raises blood pressure and heart rate through sympathomimetic norepinephrine release, and at higher doses or in susceptible individuals has been linked to severe cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial injury, and death [7][6]. Individuals with any cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, or psychiatric condition must not use it, and supplement label doses are frequently inaccurate — actual content can range from 25–150% of what is stated [4].
Common
Serious
Safety & harm reduction
- Pre-existing heart disease, coronary artery disease, or tachyarrhythmia [8]
- Hypertension or hypotension [8]
- Hepatic or renal insufficiency [8][5]
- Psychiatric disorders — especially anxiety, panic disorder, psychosis, or PTSD [8]
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding [5]
- Children and adolescents — no safety data [5]
- Glaucoma [8]
- History of gastric or duodenal ulcer [8]
- Diabetes (may affect insulin levels) [8]
- Blood pressure and heart rate — measure before each dose; discontinue if BP rises significantly [7][6]
- Cardiac symptoms: chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath warrant immediate cessation [7]
- Anxiety / mood: if severe anxiety or panic develops, stop immediately [3]
- Discontinue at least 2 weeks before any surgery due to BP and noradrenergic effects [9]
- CYP2D6 metaboliser status influences clearance dramatically — poor metabolisers accumulate yohimbine to toxic levels [6]
- MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) — CONTRAINDICATED; risk of acute hypertensive crisis [8]
- Tyramine-containing foods (aged cheese, red wine, beer, chocolate, cured meats) — may dangerously elevate BP [11]
- Other stimulants (caffeine, ephedrine, DMAA) — additive adrenergic stress; cardiovascular and psychiatric risk amplified [10]
- SSRIs and other antidepressants — potential serotonergic/adrenergic interaction [10]
- PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil/Viagra, tadalafil) — potentiation; case reports of dangerous cardiovascular events [10]
- Clonidine — pharmacodynamic opposition; combination case-reported to cause intracranial hemorrhage [9]
- Antihypertensives — unpredictable BP effects; use with extreme caution [8]
- Sedatives, benzodiazepines, antihistamines — CNS and cardiovascular interaction risk [11]
- Always start at the lowest possible dose (half of intended dose) and assess tolerance before escalating [4]
- Supplement label doses are frequently inaccurate (25–150% of stated content) — choose third-party verified products [4]
- Take between meals or in a fasted state for fat-loss goals; food blunts absorption [4]
- Do not combine with other stimulants or pre-workout products without full dose reduction of both agents [4]
- Clinical supervision is strongly recommended, especially for cardiovascular monitoring [7]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported doses (not prescriptions): For fat-loss support, 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight daily — e.g. ~14 mg/day for a 70 kg person — is the figure most cited in the fat-burning literature; this is typically divided into 2–4 doses [4]. For erectile dysfunction, 5.4 mg three times daily (≈16 mg/day) has been used in trials [2], and up to 30 mg/day appears in older clinical literature [12]. Doses above 100 mg/day are considered dangerous [12]. Given highly variable supplement label accuracy and wide individual CYP2D6-driven clearance differences, always begin at half the target dose [4][6].
Sources
- 1.ScienceDirect – Yohimbine overview (α2 mechanism, receptor affinities)
- 2.Drugs.com – Yohimbe: Uses, Benefits & Dosage (clinical use, dosing, adverse events)
- 3.PMC / NCT Clinical Trials – Noradrenergic pharmacokinetics (half-life, dosing range)
- 4.Examine.com – Yohimbine: benefits, dosage & side effects
- 5.Drugs.com / Medscape – Yohimbine (Yocon): indications, contraindications, interactions
- 6.PMC – Multifaceted Nature of Yohimbine (MDPI, 2024): adverse effects, toxicology, CYP2D6
- 7.MDPI – Multifaceted Nature of Yohimbine (full article, 2024): myocardial injury, cardiovascular risk
- 8.INCHEM PIM 567 – Yohimbine (WHO/IPCS): contraindications, MAO interaction, dosing
- 9.DrOracle.ai – Yohimbe: cardiovascular safety, AUA guidance, case reports
- 10.PMC – α2-Antagonist Yohimbine & Fear Consolidation (NCT clinical protocol, half-life reference)
- 11.Clinician.com – Yohimbine for the Treatment of Impotence (1999, tyramine, drug interactions)
- 12.INCHEM PIM 567 – Yohimbine dose ranges (therapeutic and dangerous thresholds)
- 13.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Yohimbe (integrative medicine reference)
- 14.PMC – NCT Parkinson's protocol (pharmacokinetics, oral absorption half-life, dosing range)
- 15.Wikipedia – Yohimbine (adverse effects summary, drug interactions)
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.