Overview
The name "kava" comes from the Polynesian word "awa," which means bitter. Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Chemicals called kavalactones that are found in kava are believed to be responsible for its effects.
People commonly use kava for anxiety. It's also used for stress, withdrawal from drugs called benzodiazepines, sleeping problems, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Cases of liver damage and even some deaths have been linked to kava use. Because of this, kava was taken off the market in Europe and Canada in the early 2000s. But after reviewing the evidence, most countries have allowed kava to return to the market. Kava was never taken off the market in the US.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Anxiety. Taking kava by mouth for at least 5 weeks seems to reduce anxiety and might work as well as some prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Possibly Ineffective for
- A type of persistent anxiety marked by exaggerated worry and tension (generalized anxiety disorder or GAD). Taking kava by mouth doesn't seem to improve symptoms of GAD.
Side Effects
People might have heard that using kava can cause liver damage. This seems to be rare and is most often linked to long-term use of very high doses. Most people who have used kava haven't experienced liver toxicity. Also, past cases of liver toxicity might not be due to kava. Other factors may have contributed to these toxic effects.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Liver disease: People who have liver problems should avoid kava. It might make liver disease worse.
Parkinson disease: People who have Parkinson disease should avoid kava. It might make this condition worse.
Surgery: Kava affects the central nervous system. It might increase the effects of anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using kava at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with KAVA
Kava might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking kava with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Kava might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with KAVA
Kava might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking kava along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Haloperidol (Haldol) interacts with KAVA
Haloperidol is broken down by the liver. Kava might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down this medication. This might increase the effects and side effects of haloperidol.
Ropinirole (Requip) interacts with KAVA
Ropinirole is broken down by the liver. Kava might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down this medication. This might increase the effects and side effects of ropinirole.
Alcohol (Ethanol) interacts with KAVA
Using kava with alcohol might increase the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system. This might increase the risk for some side effects, such as drowsiness and mood changes. Also, kava might harm the liver. Taking kava along with alcohol might increase the risk of liver damage.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with KAVA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Kava might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
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