Drug interactions
Tranylcypromine + Yohimbe
Severity: Major
Tranylcypromine 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 increases noradrenergic outflow and can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and with an MAO inhibitor this may cause hypertensive reactions, anxiety and tachycardia. Herbal yohimbe products vary in content, which makes the effect unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tranylcypromine 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
Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors, increasing norepinephrine release, while MAO inhibition prevents catecholamine breakdown, giving additive pressor effects.
What to do
Avoid yohimbe in patients taking tranylcypromine, and monitor blood pressure and heart rate 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?
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Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tranylcypromine with Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tranylcypromine 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 increases noradrenergic outflow and can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and with an MAO inhibitor this may cause hypertensive reactions, anxiety and tachycardia. Herbal yohimbe products vary in content, which makes the effect unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Tranylcypromine 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 yohimbe in patients taking tranylcypromine, and monitor blood pressure and heart rate if exposure occurs.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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