Posted by katz on May 7, 2001, at 10:06:49
In reply to Re: Yohimbe trial results, posted by SLS on May 6, 2001, at 18:07:01
Scott,
Thanks for your informative and detailed explanation. It was a great help and very
interesting. I have long believed that there was too much seratonin and not enough NE
circulating in my faulty brain. Your explanation makes soooo much sense as to why it is
working so wonderfully for me.Several months ago, I began posting on this incredibly supportive board. At that time I
bemoaned the fact that I was unable to get anyone to prescribe ritalin. It was the only drug
that had ever helped my dsythmia, anhedonia and social phobia. Incredibly, yohimbe seems
to be comparable to the ritalin w/o the hard edges. The one drawback I am finding with the
Yohimbe is that it is causing me to have a voracious appetite. That aside, I am thrilled with
my results. I feel happier and have more energy. As I stated previously, I have not
experienced any of its reputed libido enhancing properties. I’m still hoping!> I am curious to know how yohimbine affects people with depression and what other drugs
they were taking at the time. In addition to its use as an antidote to sexual side effects, it has
been used in the past to augment the actions of antidepressants in treatment-resistant
individuals. Any input? >I am currently at the end of a failed two month trial of Wellburtrin SR. At 450mg it had no
effect whatsoever; neither positive nor negative. I would have gotten more of a lift from a
sugar pill. A month into the trial I added bromocriptine 5 mg. It yielded a modest
improvement. I then added amisulpride and improved slightly more. These are the three
drugs I am taking along with the yohimbe. Yohimbe is far and away the *star*. I believe it
could stand on its own. (Please note, past trials of both bromocriptine and amsulpride yielded
negative results. I have no idea why they are working now. Perhaps it is some kind of
synergy with the Wellbutrin.)Yohimbe is worth a try for anyone who believes a stimulant is in order. It’s cheap and it’s
effects are immediate.Best wishes,
Kathy
> Hi Katz.
>
>
> > Does anyone happen to know the mode of action of Yohimbe?
>
> It affects norepinephrine (NE). It blocks a receptor known as NE alpha-2. This receptor is what is known as an autoreceptor because it helps tell the nerve how much of its NE neurotransmitter is still in the synapse. When this receptor is blocked from "seeing" NE, it allows the neuron to continue making and releasing its neurotransmitter beyond what it is "supposed to". The result of more NE can be stimulating.
>
> In addition to NE, there is some evidence that yohimbine stimulates a serotonin (5-HT) receptor known as 5-HT1a. Stimulation of these receptors can reduce the amount of serotonin released.
>
> > Does it act on the dopamine or nor-adrenaline systems? Gaba? My personal experience would indicate that it is a type of stimulant. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Other neural pathways that use different neurotranmitters are ultimately influenced indirectly by the direct effects of yohimbine on NE and 5-HT neurons. For instance, although yohimbine does not act directly on dopamine (DA) neurons, its activity to increase NE activity and inhibit serotonin activity might ultimately lead to pro-sexual effects that are mediated by DA neural pathways.
>
> I am curious to know how yohimbine affects people with depression and what other drugs they were taking at the time. In addition to its use as an antidote to sexual side effects, it has been used in the past to augment the actions of antidepressants in treatment-resistant individuals. Any input?
>
>
> - Scott
poster:katz
thread:61036
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/61871.html