[Psychiatric effects and side effects of the alpha-2-antagonist yohimbine: a review of literature and case report].

We describe a 21-year old female patient who had taken the alpha-2-antagonist yohimbine for weight-loss. The patient reported alterations in alcohol- and cocaine-seeking along with changes in defensive behaviour, including suicidal tendencies. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are discussed, which support the hypothesis of a causal relationship. We added an overview of relevant psychiatric effects and side effects of yohimbine.