[Psychiatric effects and side effects of the alpha-2-antagonist yohimbine: a review of literature and case report].
We describe a 21-year old female patient who had taken the alpha-2-antagonist yohimbine for weight-loss. The patient reported alterations in alcohol- and cocaine-seeking along with changes in defensive behaviour, including suicidal tendencies. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are discussed, which support the hypothesis of a causal relationship. We added an overview of relevant psychiatric effects and side effects of yohimbine.
Scherr
M
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München. martin_scherr@hotmail.com
Schwerthoeffer
D
D
Froboese
T
T
Castrop
F
F
Bäuml
J
J
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D015016:Yohimbine