From the Guidelines
Yes, yohimbine can cause muscle twitching as a side effect, as it increases norepinephrine levels in the body, leading to stimulatory effects on the nervous system, including tremors and involuntary movements, as noted in a study published in The Journal of Urology 1. When taken, yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, can manifest various side effects due to its action on the nervous system. The increased sympathetic nervous system activity caused by yohimbine can lead to muscle twitches, tremors, or involuntary movements in some individuals. Other related side effects may include:
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Restlessness The likelihood of experiencing muscle twitching depends on dosage, individual sensitivity, and whether you're taking other medications that might interact with yohimbine. A more recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2021 1 also highlights the potential risks associated with yohimbine, including its effects on blood pressure, which can be a concern in certain individuals. If you experience persistent or severe muscle twitching while taking yohimbine, you should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider, as this could indicate an adverse reaction to the supplement.
From the Research
Yohimbine and Muscle Twitching
- Yohimbine is a naturally sourced pharmacological agent that produces hyperadrenergic physiological effects 2.
- There is evidence to suggest that yohimbine can cause muscle twitching, as observed in a study where yohimbine hydrochloride was used to reverse immobilization of polar bears, resulting in convulsions and muscle twitching in some bears 3.
- The exact mechanism of yohimbine-induced muscle twitching is not fully understood, but it may be related to its effects on the sympathetic nervous system, including increased sympathetic nerve activity and norepinephrine spillover 4.
- Other studies have focused on the effects of yohimbine on presynaptic and postsynaptic events during sympathetic nerve activation, but have not specifically addressed muscle twitching 5.
- Yohimbine toxicity can cause a range of symptoms, including sympathomimetic syndrome, which may include muscle twitching, but this is not always explicitly stated in the literature 6.