Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on posttraumatic stress disorder - PubMed (original) (raw)
Case Reports
. 1999 Aug 1;46(3):442-4.
doi: 10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00107-9.
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- PMID: 10435213
- DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00107-9
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Case Reports
Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on posttraumatic stress disorder
S M Southwick et al. Biol Psychiatry. 1999.
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Abstract
Background: Numerous laboratory-based studies have shown that chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with alterations in catecholamines. In a recent neuroendocrine challenge study, IV yohimbine caused exaggerated subjective, behavioral, cardiovascular and catecholamine responses among combat veterans with PTSD compared to healthy controls. Yohimbine is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that activates noradrenergic neurons.
Methods: This report describes the experience of 4 individuals with PTSD who took over-the-counter oral yohimbine that they had purchased from a health food store or pharmacy.
Results: All 4 subjects experienced a marked exacerbation of anxiety/panic and PTSD-specific symptoms immediately after ingesting yohimbine in a natural setting.
Conclusions: The response in these individuals closely resembled the response observed after IV yohimbine in combat veterans with PTSD. The present cases occurred in a natural setting and thus complement laboratory-based findings. The authors caution against the recreational or medical use of yohimbine in individuals who have PTSD.
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