Yohimbine
An alpha-2 antagonist from West African yohimbe bark. Strong fat-loss and erectile effects — and an equally strong cardiovascular and anxiety side-effect profile. Use very carefully.
Moderate for erectile dysfunction (older RCTs — predates Viagra). Moderate for stubborn-fat loss in lean / already-low-body-fat individuals (Ostojic). Effects: acute (hours).
Yohimbine is an alkaloid from Pausinystalia yohimbe bark and a real pharmacologic agent — it blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, raising norepinephrine and triggering lipolysis (especially in stubborn, alpha-2-rich body fat like the lower abdomen and thighs). Also has decades of clinical use for erectile dysfunction. The catch: the same mechanism that drives the fat-loss and ED effects also raises blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and panic. Serious interaction risks with antidepressants and stimulants. Take this one seriously.
- Form
- Yohimbine HCl (the standardised hydrochloride form, much more reliable than crude yohimbe bark extracts).
- Dose
- 0.1–0.2 mg/kg body weight (typically 5–15 mg per dose). Start low. Some users go 0.2 mg/kg twice daily.
- Timing
- Fasted (insulin blunts yohimbine's lipolytic effect). Pre-workout. Acute use, not chronic.
- Schedule
- As-needed, cycled. Not for daily long-term use.
- Side effects
- Anxiety, panic attacks, hypertension, tachycardia, sweating, jitters, insomnia, GI upset, headache. Real and common at meaningful doses.
- Interactions
- SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics — serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis risk. Stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines) — additive cardiovascular effects. Antihypertensives — opposing. Alpha-blockers (for BPH) — opposing.
- Contraindications
- On any antidepressant. Hypertension. Heart disease, arrhythmia. Anxiety / panic disorders. PTSD. Bipolar disorder. Pregnancy. Kidney or liver disease. Elderly.
- Lab markers
- BP, HR. Subjective tracking.
- Food sources
- Not in food.
Pairs with
Fasted cardio (synergistic fat loss). Generally avoid stacking with other stimulants.
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