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Yohimbine tablets

What are yohimbine tablets?

YOHIMBINE (Actibine®, Aphrodyne®, Yohimex®, Yomax®) is used to treat erection problems in men. This drug is sometimes prescribed for other purposes. Generic yohimbine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take yohimbine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • if you are female (yohimbine is not recommended for use in women)

  • depression or other mental problems

  • heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack, or other heart problems

  • kidney or liver disease

  • stomach disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to yohimbine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I take this medicine?

Take yohimbine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take double or extra doses.

This medicine is not for use in children.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with yohimbine?

  • ephedra, Ma huang (found in herbal or dietary supplements)

  • medications for depression

  • medications for high blood pressure

  • phenylpropanolamine (also known as PPA, sometimes found in cold/allergy products or weight loss formulas)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking yohimbine?

It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the beneficial effects of yohimbine are noticed. Do not change the dose of your medication. Please call your prescriber or health care professional to determine if your dose needs to be reevaluated.

If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after yohimbine use, you should refrain from further activity and should discuss the episode with your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible.

Yohimbine can interact with certain foods that contain tyramine to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat. Foods that contain significant amounts of tyramine include aged cheeses; meats like liver, pepperoni, salami or other sausages; beer and ale (including alcohol-free beer); red wine; sherry; hard liquor or liqueurs; and fava or broad bean pods. Ask your prescriber or health care professional, pharmacist, or nutritionist for a complete listing of tyramine-containing foods.

What side effects may I notice from taking yohimbine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • anxiety or agitation

  • difficulty breathing, shortness of breath

  • chest pain or palpitations

  • increased blood pressure

  • increased heart rate

  • skin rash, itching

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dizziness

  • flushing

  • headache

  • irritability

  • nausea

  • nervousness or restlessness

  • sweating

  • tremor

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Publication Source: U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert
Date Last Modified: 9/18/2006