Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Yohimbe
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Yohimbe: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Yohimbine, the active alkaloid in yohimbe, is an alpha-2 antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow. With tricyclics, which block norepinephrine reuptake, blood pressure and heart rate can rise sharply and cause anxiety or tachycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic enhancement of noradrenergic activity via alpha-2 blockade plus norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid yohimbe products while taking amitriptyline. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Yohimbine, the active alkaloid in yohimbe, is an alpha-2 antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow. With tricyclics, which block norepinephrine reuptake, blood pressure and heart rate can rise sharply and cause anxiety or tachycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid yohimbe products while taking amitriptyline. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.
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