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• » I’ve heard that there’s a drug other than Viagra

Question: I’ve heard that there’s a drug other than Viagra that helps with erection, something with a “Y.” Have you ever heard of this? What is it? And how do I use it?

Answer: It’s yohimbine, an extract of the bark of the West African yohimbe tree, which has been used as a folk erection-enhancer for centuries. Western scientists scoffed until the 1980s, when several studies showed that yohimbine coaxes extra blood into the penis and aids erection. More than 10 years before the approval of Viagra, the FDA approved it for erection enhancement. It’s available in three prescription drugs: Ahprodyne, Yocon, and Yohimex. However, since its approval, yohimbine has been attacked as ineffective. The situation is controversial--and confusing. An analysis of 208 studies published from 1979 through 1994 led the American Urological Association (AUA) to conclude that yohimbine is no better than a placebo. However, two other analyses--a 1996 review of 16 studies at Syracuse University, and a 1998 British analysis of seven studies--both showed that yohimbine is an effective treatment for ED. The British group called it “a reasonable therapeutic option.” But the naysayers may have a point, at least about the yohimbine products sold over-the-counter in supplement shops and health food stores. The FDA analyzed 26 over-the-counter yohimbine products. The yohimbine content of yohimbe bark is 7,089 parts per million (ppm). Concentrations found in the tested products ranged from less than 0.1 ppm to 489 ppm, probably not enough to have much effect. If you want to yohimbine, ask your physician for one of the prescription drugs. Possible side effects include: increased heart rate and blood pressure, fluid retention, nervousness, irritability, headache, dizziness, tremor, and flushing.