Elsevier

Biological Psychiatry

Volume 46, Issue 3, 1 August 1999, Pages 442-444
Biological Psychiatry

Case Reports
Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on posttraumatic stress disorder

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00107-9Get rights and content
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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.

Keywords

Posttraumatic stress disorder
naturalistic
yohimbine
norepinephrine
sensitization
flashback

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