7 mins read

Overview: Rauwolscine is a stimulant chemical naturally found in certain plants, including those in the Rauwolfia group. Supplements that contain rauwolscine are used for various reasons, although their benefits and risks are not well understood. Since rauwolscine is very similar to another stimulant called yohimbine, it may have many of the same side effects. These may include anxiety or restlessness, nausea, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, or sweating. Serious side effects may include seizures and dangerously high blood pressure. Before taking rauwolscine, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is rauwolscine used for?

Rauwolscine is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use rauwolscine include the following.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed rauwolscine for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does rauwolscine work (mechanism of action)?

Rauwolscine is a chemical naturally found in certain plants, including those in the Rauwolfia genus. It is also found in a plant called yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe). However, the rauwolscine found in most dietary supplements is made in labs.

Rauwolscine is a stimulant that is very similar to another chemical called yohimbine. In fact, another name for rauwolscine is alpha-yohimbine. Both rauwolscine and yohimbine are commonly marketed to help with erectile dysfunction or to increase sex drive. But rauwolscine has not been studied in humans, so its effects in the body are not well understood.

Yohimbine, on the other hand, has been studied in humans and is known to cause serious side effects. Since rauwolscine is similar to yohimbine, it may cause many of the same side effects (see the Side Effects section for more information).

How should I store rauwolscine?

You should store rauwolscine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rauwolscine?

Rauwolscine may cause many of the same side effects as a similar chemical, called yohimbine. The most common side effects of yohimbine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • High blood pressure (see below)
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Sweating or flushing

There may be other side effects of rauwolscine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rauwolscine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rauwolscine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rauwolscine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking rauwolscine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Behavior, Thought, or Mood Changes. Rauwolscine may have stimulant-like effects. This may cause or worsen psychotic-like behaviors, such as hallucinations or mania. People who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, may be at higher risk of these side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others don’t
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Very high energy
  • Significant trouble sleeping
  • Racing, fast-paced thoughts
  • Reckless behavior
  • Unusually grand ideas
  • Excessive happiness or crankiness
  • Talking more or faster than usual

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Rauwolscine is similar to another chemical called yohimbine and may cause similar side effects. Yohimbine may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while taking rauwolscine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but inform your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Seizures. Rauwolscine is similar to another chemical called yohimbine and may cause similar side effects. Some people who have taken yohimbine have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking rauwolscine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rauwolscine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take rauwolscine.

  • Alpha-yohimbine
  • Rauwolscine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rauwolscine products they stock.

What should I know about rauwolscine before using it?

Rauwolscine is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep rauwolscine out of the reach of children.

Rauwolscine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how rauwolscine affects you.

In the U.S., rauwolscine is found in dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual or physical performance. These types of products have often been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Some prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a rauwolscine product, as it may contain harmful ingredients not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested rauwolscine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rauwolscine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rauwolscine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking rauwolscine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rauwolscine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rauwolscine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does rauwolscine interact with foods or drinks?

Rauwolscine can have stimulant-like effects. Taking rauwolscine with caffeine, which is also a stimulant, may increase the risk of side effects. Caffeine is found in many common foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some protein bars.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rauwolscine, but drinking alcohol while taking rauwolscine may increase your risk for side effects. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.

Does rauwolscine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking rauwolscine.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A stimulant, such as amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, or methylphenidate, which is a medicine commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • An alpha-blocker, such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin, which is a medicine that may be used for high blood pressure and/or trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate
  • Any product that contains caffeine, which is often found in medicines used for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, easing headaches, and relieving hangovers

The interactions between rauwolscine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with rauwolscine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking rauwolscine with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rauwolscine?

If you or someone else has used too much rauwolscine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Rauwolscine may be used in very different doses depending on the product and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take rauwolscine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.