Bottom line: avoid yohimbine
Yohimbine comes from the bark of the African yohimbe tree. It has traditionally been used to boost sexual function, and today it's found in aphrodisiac and libido products, pre-workout boosters, and weight-loss supplements.
But the reasons to avoid it are clear.
- Liver and kidney damage have been reported even at doses in store-bought products.
- No dose has been established as safe.
- It's on the list of ingredients that can be toxic to the kidneys (nephrotoxic ingredients).
Yohimbine side effects: your body goes into "emergency mode"
Yohimbine strongly stimulates your sympathetic nervous system (the nerves that put your body on high alert). That can cause symptoms like these.
| Severity | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common | Dizziness, headache, pounding heart, higher blood pressure, insomnia |
| Serious | Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), chest pain, seizures |
| Very serious | Coma, reported deaths |
These have actually been reported.
- From 2000–2006, about 130 people were hospitalized in California for yohimbine-related problems.
- There have also been deaths after taking it together with supplements containing arginine and caffeine.
You can't trust the label on this one
When 49 yohimbine products were analyzed, 3 out of 4 didn't list how much they actually contained. Some contained far more than the label said.
In other words, the label alone can't tell you how much you're taking.
It especially tends to hide in:
- Gym pre-workouts and workout boosters
- Fat-burning and weight-loss supplements
- Men's energy and sexual performance supplements
If you're already taking it
- Stop today.
- If you have a pounding heart, chest pain, a severe headache or shortness of breath, go to the ER right away.
- If you've taken it for a long time, get liver and kidney function tests (blood and urine tests) from your doctor.
- If you've been taking it with caffeinated drinks or other workout boosters, stop those first.
Medications and conditions to watch
- Caution Being treated for kidney disease — Can cause kidney damage — never take it
- Caution caffeine — Deaths reported when combined with caffeine-containing boosters — don't take them together
- Caution L-Arginine — Deaths reported when combined with arginine-containing supplements — don't take them together
- Caution Blood pressure or heart medications — Raises blood pressure and speeds up heart rate — don't take it
Combinations
Space apart from: caffeine, L-Arginine
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take yohimbine?
It's not recommended. Liver and kidney damage have been reported even at store-bought doses, and there's no established safe dose. If your kidneys aren't healthy, never take it.
What are the side effects of yohimbine?
Dizziness, headache, pounding heart, higher blood pressure and insomnia are common. In serious cases it can cause a rapid heart rate, chest pain and seizures, and deaths have been reported.
Is it OK if my pre-workout contains yohimbine?
Avoid it. Boosters usually also contain ingredients like caffeine and arginine, and deaths have been reported with these combinations. Check the ingredient list for Yohimbe.
Does yohimbine help with weight loss?
It's used in fat-burner supplements, but there's little to gain compared with the risk. Many products also have unreliable labeling, so it's not recommended.
My heart is racing after taking yohimbine.
Stop right away. If you also have chest pain, a severe headache or shortness of breath, go to the ER.
Related concerns
Last updated 2026-10-12