title: Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on posttraumatic stress disorder.
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.
authors.affiliation: VA CT Healthcare System, Psychiatry Service 116A, West Haven 06516, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Southwick
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Charney
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: High
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced; D011998:Recreation; D012008:Recurrence; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D015016:Yohimbine; D009638:Norepinephrine