Hormonal/Weight/Cognition

Yohimbine

Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist sometimes used for erectile dysfunction and fat loss, but with significant safety concerns and mixed evidence.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine

35
score
C
evidence
Unsafe
risk

Proven Benefits

01May improve erectile function
02May reduce body fat
03May increase sexual arousal
04May increase acute alertness

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • Yohimbine HCl
  • Standardized yohimbe bark extract (2-3% yohimbine)
Avoid
  • Raw yohimbe bark powder (variable alkaloid content)
  • Proprietary 'yohimbe complex' blends (dose opacity)
Expert Note

Yohimbine HCl provides a precise, known dose of the active alkaloid. Standardized bark extract offers slightly less precision but is commonly studied. Raw bark powders vary wildly in yohimbine content and may contain other alkaloids, making side effects unpredictable. Proprietary blends often obscure the actual yohimbine dose, increasing overdose risk.

Protocol

Amount
5-10 mg per dose
Frequency
Up to 3x daily (ED); single morning dose (fat loss)
When
On an empty stomach; avoid late-day dosing due to stimulant effects

Condition-Based Dosing

Erectile dysfunction (psychogenic)
5-10 mg three times daily
Fat loss protocols
0.2 mg/kg bodyweight once daily before fasted activity

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
No established UL; doses above 30 mg/day increase risk of hypertension, tachycardia, and anxiety significantly
Cycling
Use only for short periods under supervision; avoid continuous daily use beyond 2-3 weeks due to cardiovascular and anxiety risks

Contraindications

Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or arrhythmia — yohimbine raises heart rate and blood pressure
Anxiety disorders or panic disorder — can precipitate panic attacks
Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia — may worsen manic or psychotic symptoms
MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants — risk of hypertensive crisis
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — contraindicated due to lack of safety data and stimulant effects
Kidney or liver disease — reduced clearance and higher toxicity risk

Avoid Combining With

  • Food (delays absorption — take on empty stomach)
  • Caffeine and other stimulants (additive blood pressure and anxiety risk)
  • Antihypertensive medications (pharmacological opposition — yohimbine raises BP)
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