Step Perspective, Volume 5, Number 1; A Publication Of The Seattle Treatment Education Project - February 1993
Chronic fatigue is common in people with AIDS, and until recently few people have found effective treatments to combat this condition. Recently anecdotal reports of a drug, Yohimbine, suggest a dramatic and quick reduction of chronic, severe fatigue. Yohimbine is licensed for the treatment of impotence in men, and its effects on fatigue were "accidentally" discovered by individuals taking the drug for impotence. AIDS Treatment News recently reported that two individuals with severe fatigue experienced rapid and dramatic improvements with Yohimbine. It should not be used in individuals with kidney disease, during pregnancy, nor combined with antidepressants. Fatigue can be caused by a variety of actors and it is important to rule out all known causes before initiating therapy with Yohimbine to prevent a treatable condition from being covered up. Yohimbine may have a limited treatment life; its effects seem to decrease after about three months, therefore, it should not be used casually (e.g. for an energy boost) but reserved for chronic, severe fatigue which significantly decreases one's quality of life. The dosage currently being used is one table (5.4 mg) three times a day. It is inexpensive. Yohimbine is also available in various teas and extracts in health food stores. However, there is no information available as to the effectiveness of Yohimbine in these forms.
9302
STEP5113
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.