Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Yohimbe
Severity: Major
Phenelzine 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 increases noradrenergic outflow, and with an MAO inhibitor this may cause hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety and in severe cases a hypertensive crisis. Herbal product content is variable, which makes the effect unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine 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
Increased norepinephrine release from alpha-2 blockade combined with reduced catecholamine breakdown from MAO inhibition.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use. Advise patients to report headache, palpitations or severe blood pressure elevation and monitor blood pressure if exposure occurs.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Phenelzine and Yohimbe, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenelzine with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Phenelzine 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 increases noradrenergic outflow, and with an MAO inhibitor this may cause hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety and in severe cases a hypertensive crisis. Herbal product content is variable, which makes the effect unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine 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 concurrent use. Advise patients to report headache, palpitations or severe blood pressure elevation and monitor blood pressure if exposure occurs.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
