Yohimbe Dosage Guide, Timing and Dangers of Overdose

Yohimbe is an evergreen plant found in Africa, particularly in the central and western parts of the country (1). The bark of the plant is used to create medications for erectile dysfunction, or ED, and other health concerns.

Yohimbe bark extract contains bioactive alkaloids, including corynanthine, raubasine and yohimbine. Of these, yohimbine demonstrates the most activity in the body and it is the concentration of this alkaloid that is used to determine the best yohimbe dosage.

Although yohimbine is used in prescription medications for ED, studies suggest yohimbe supplements can have mixed results (2) and it may be dangerous in certain situations.

High doses of yohimbe can cause serious side effects. It is important to follow dosage guidelines closely to prevent or reduce the likelihood of adverse events.

Yohimbine

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Energy

Libido

How It Works:

• Helps promote fat loss
• Increases energy & suppresses appetite
• Promotes sex drive & performance

Dosage:

Between 5-50 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

Top Yohimbine Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Uses for Yohimbe

Yohimbe dosage recommendations vary based on the goal of the supplement user. Determining how much you should take daily depends on your situation and the way you intend to use it.

This herbal extract is taken orally as a tea or a pill. It is also available as a liquid tincture or a bulk powder. Yohimbine HCL is a standardized formulation used as a prescription medication.

Yohimbe is traditionally used for low sex drive in women and erectile dysfunction in men (1). Other uses of the supplement include:

• Weight loss
• Exhaustion
• Hypertension
• Athletic performance

When evaluating yohimbe dosages for ED, weight loss, or other uses, you must discuss your situation with a medical doctor to limit potential complications and health risks.

Benefits of Yohimbe for ED

One of the most common reasons for taking yohimbe is to improve erectile function. It exhibits pro-sexual effects that can increase erectile hardness, and may even increase penile girth in some men.

In studies, this supplement has been found to increase blood flow to the penis as well as promoting dilation of blood vessels. This can make it easier for tissues in the penis to become engorged with blood.

According to one review article, yohimbine is effective for improving erectile dysfunction in approximately 34% of patients. It seems to be effective for psychogenic ED, but not so for organic ED.

Studies have also demonstrated that combining yohimbine hydrochloride with L-Arginine glutamate can improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED symptoms. This study used a dosage of 6g L-Arginine with 6 mg of yohimbine HCL.

Despite the effectiveness of this compound, it has largely been replaced as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of ED by modern PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as Viagara.

Even though it is rarely used in medical contexts, there is still significant consumer demand for yohimbe bark extract as a natural remedy to alleviate ED. However, under FDA regulations, yohimbe supplements cannot be promoted as treatments for ED.

Yohimbe Dosage Guide

Dosages for yohimbe supplements are usually started in milligrams of yohimbe bark extract, with a specified concentration of yohimbine alkaloids.

For example, the supplement Advanced Yohimbe Plus contains 300 mg of yohimbe bark, standardized to contain 2% yohimbine alkaloids. This means that the supplement provides an effective dose of 6 mg of yohimbine.

It is important to convert doses into the quantity of yohimbine provided per serving to prevent errors based on different concentrations of yohimbe extracts.

The recommended yohimbine dose for ED is between 5 and 100 mg per day (3), but most people use between 5 to 30 mg per day.

Generally, individuals should start with a low dosage of 4 to 5 mg per day for ED and then work to a higher dosage of 10 mg per day if recommended by a medical doctor.

Men should follow recommended dosage guidelines closely and consult with a medical professional before using this supplement if they are taking other medications.

Since yohimbe may interact with certain medications, a doctor should always evaluate personal health risks before recommending a specific dosage.

Women taking yohimbe dosages for weight loss or libido enhancement will often require smaller amounts. Start with half the lowest effective dosage to gauge tolerance and personal sensitivity.

If using yohimbe bark powder, a different dosage will be required depending on the concentration of alkaloids in the specific product being used. Read the specific suggestions on the packaging for detailed dosage recommendations.

When made into a tea, yohimbe bark usually requires 5 to 10 teaspoons per 1 pint of water (3). Dosages for yohimbe tea will be less precise than those for dietary supplements, which could increase the risk of negative side effects.

Is Yohimbe Safe to Take for Everyone?

Yohimbe has been rated as Possibly Unsafe by the Natural Medicines Database. They note that yohimbine has been used safely for up to 10 weeks under medical supervision. However, this supplement may not be appropriate for everyone.

Due to the potential safety risks associated with the supplement, never take it for extended periods or after experiencing negative side effects. Yohimbe should only be used for short durations and with the supervision of a medical professional.

When determining how much yohimbe to take on a daily basis, evaluate the possible risks by talking to a medical doctor. Yohimbe may interact with medications and it is not safe for every person.

Do not take the supplement or use yohimbe bark when taking anti-depressant medications, prescriptions for high blood pressure or medications for other mental health disorders.

Yohimbe may be dangerous when taken in high dosages or when used for a long time. Two cases of fatal toxicity have been attributed to yohimbe overdose.

Health Risks and Side Effects

Yohimbe does have potential side effects and health risks. When taken in high dosages, the supplement or bark may cause high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, headaches and increased heart rate.

In severe cases, the supplement may cause seizures, paralysis, hallucinations or death. Individuals should always discuss the supplement with a medical professional before using the bark or an extract as part of a treatment for ED.

Never take the supplement while using other medications until after discussing potential risks with a doctor. It is also potentially dangerous when taken by individuals with certain forms of bi-polar disorder (4) because it contributes to or causes a manic effect.

The side effects of yohimbe are dose-dependant. While it is well tolerated at low doses in the majority of users, taking too much could cause long-term health problems.

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