Question
Does yohimbe interact with HIV meds?
29 December 2009. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Side effects, Supplements and herbs.
I have recently been prescribed a herbal drug called yohimbe, but I note from the letter that my doctor copied me in on, that no tests have been completed to ensure that it doesn’t interact with antiretrovirals.
Are you able to advise on the best course of action for me?
Answer
Hi
Very few herbs or compounds made from herbs (ie yohimbine from yohimbe) have been tested for drug interactions and I couldn’t find any that included yohimbe and HIV meds.
However, some herbs, like medications, have side effects and the potential for drug interactions.
It would be better for your medical doctor to prescribe a tested medication to treat the symptoms that you are taking yohimbe for, rather than use a herbal product that has been suggested by an alternative therapist (if this is the case), or using this as an over-the-counter supplement.
A reliable medical site has useful information about yohimbe but please see the tab links for this page at the top of the text for information on Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions and Overdose.
This site includes warnings about interactions with heart and blood pressure medication amongst others.
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