Effect of yohimbine on blood pressure in patients with depression and orthostatic hypotension induced by clomipramine

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1989 Mar;45(3):241-51. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1989.24.

Abstract

Orthostatic hypotension, one of tricyclic antidepressant treatment's side effects, is also a factor in limiting adequate antidepressant dosing. We tested in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study the effect of low doses (4 mg/t.i.d.) of yohimbine in 12 patients with depression with clomipramine-induced orthostatic hypotension. Yohimbine, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, had a favorable effect in orthostatic hypotension and induced a significant increase in blood pressure. A pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction between yohimbine and clomipramine or demethylclomipramine was discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects*
  • Clomipramine / adverse effects*
  • Clomipramine / blood
  • Clomipramine / therapeutic use
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / chemically induced
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Random Allocation
  • Yohimbine / administration & dosage
  • Yohimbine / pharmacokinetics
  • Yohimbine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Yohimbine
  • Clomipramine