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Drug interactions

Isocarboxazid + Yohimbe

Severity: Major

Isocarboxazid 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 is an alpha-2 antagonist that raises noradrenergic activity and can cause hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety. With an MAO inhibitor, which increases catecholamine stores, these effects may be amplified and could contribute to hypertensive episodes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Isocarboxazid 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Alpha-2 blockade increases noradrenaline release while MAO inhibition reduces its breakdown, giving additive sympathomimetic effects.

What to do

Avoid combining yohimbe products with MAO inhibitors. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and treat hypertension promptly.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Isocarboxazid with Yohimbe?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isocarboxazid 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 is an alpha-2 antagonist that raises noradrenergic activity and can cause hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety. With an MAO inhibitor, which increases catecholamine stores, these effects may be amplified and could contribute to hypertensive episodes.

How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid 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: Avoid combining yohimbe products with MAO inhibitors. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and treat hypertension promptly.

What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.

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