The ED Supplement That Can Spike Your Heart Rate

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men worldwide. While prescription medications like PDE5 inhibitors are often first-line treatments, some men turn to natural supplements—most notably yohimbe—for a boost. Yohimbe bark extract and its active compound, yohimbine, have been used for decades to address ED. However, they carry a risk: a significant jump in heart rate and blood pressure that can be dangerous for some users.

Below, we cover what yohimbe is, how it works, its effectiveness, potential side effects—especially on the heart—and who should avoid it. We also suggest safer steps you can take, including using a free online tool to check your erectile dysfunction symptoms and understand your risk factors, and the importance of speaking to a doctor.

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What Is Yohimbe and Yohimbine?

• Yohimbe bark is derived from the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree native to West Africa. Traditional healers used it as an aphrodisiac.
• Yohimbine is the standardized alkaloid extracted from yohimbe bark. It's the ingredient most studied in clinical trials.
• Prescription yohimbine hydrochloride is regulated in some countries, while over-the-counter yohimbe products vary widely in alkaloid content.

How Yohimbine Works

According to Gillis and Brogden (1998), yohimbine's main actions include:

• Blocking α2-adrenergic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems
  • This increases sympathetic outflow, raising heart rate and blood pressure.
• Enhancing nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation in penile tissue
  • Improves blood flow to help achieve and maintain an erection.
• Stimulating the release of norepinephrine
  • May boost sexual arousal and alertness.

While these effects can aid erection, they also stress the cardiovascular system.

Efficacy for Erectile Dysfunction

Clinical data on yohimbine's effectiveness are mixed:

• Some trials report modest improvements in erection hardness and performance.
• Others find no significant benefit over placebo.
• Prescription yohimbine doses (5–10 mg, two to three times daily) are better studied than variable-strength OTC products.

Bottom line: yohimbine may help some men, but it's far from universally effective.

Heart-Rate and Blood-Pressure Risks

The most consistent safety concern with yohimbine is its stimulant-like effect on the heart and circulation:

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia): Users often report palpitations, rapid pulse.
• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension): Can be dangerous, especially if uncontrolled.
• Anxiety, restlessness, tremor: Symptoms of excess norepinephrine.

A single dose of yohimbine can raise heart rate by 10–20 beats per minute in healthy men. In those with underlying cardiovascular issues, reactions may be stronger.

Who Is at Highest Risk?

• Men with existing heart disease (angina, congestive heart failure).
• Those with high blood pressure or history of hypertensive crises.
• Individuals on certain medications (e.g., stimulants, MAO inhibitors, blood-pressure drugs).
• People with liver dysfunction:
  • Yohimbine is metabolized in the liver; impaired clearance can amplify side effects.
  • If you have cirrhosis or significant fibrosis, you may be at greater risk (see D'Amico et al., 2006; Sandrin et al., 2003).

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Other Potential Side Effects

Although heart-rate spikes are most notable, yohimbine can cause:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Gastrointestinal upset

These effects often intensify at higher doses or with prolonged use.

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Safe Use Tips

If you and your doctor decide to try yohimbe/yohimbine, consider these guidelines:

• Start low, go slow
  Begin with a small dose (2.5 mg yohimbine) once daily and monitor your response.
• Use standardized products
  Look for reliable brands with clear alkaloid labeling.
• Monitor blood pressure and pulse
  Especially during the first week—note any spikes or palpitations.
• Avoid stimulants
  Skip caffeine, amphetamines, or decongestants when using yohimbine.
• Don't mix with MAO inhibitors
  Risk of dangerous blood-pressure elevations.

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Alternatives to Yohimbine

If yohimbine's risks seem too high or it doesn't work, other ED options include:

• Prescription PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil)
  Proven efficacy, well-characterized safety profile.
• Lifestyle changes
  Weight management, exercise, stress reduction, quitting smoking.
• Counseling or sex therapy
  Addresses psychological factors contributing to ED.
• Other supplements
  L-arginine, beetroot juice, maca—though evidence is generally weaker.

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When to Seek Help

Yohimbine side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following, stop taking it and get an assessment of your symptoms right away using this free erectile dysfunction symptom checker to determine your next steps:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision or dizziness
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden increase in blood pressure

A symptom checker can help you decide whether to seek immediate care.

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Always Speak to a Doctor

Natural doesn't always mean safe. Before starting yohimbe or any ED supplement:

• Review your full medical history, including liver and heart health.
• Discuss all current medications and supplements.
• Weigh potential benefits against cardiovascular risks.

If you experience severe or life-threatening symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest ER. For non-urgent questions, schedule an appointment with your doctor to explore the best ED treatment for you.

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Key Takeaway
Yohimbe (yohimbine) may help some men with ED, but it can significantly raise heart rate and blood pressure. Those with heart or liver issues should avoid it, and anyone using it should monitor vital signs closely. Consider less risky alternatives and always talk with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.