Kava Kava

NATURAL PRODUCTS

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)

Kava Kava is a natural product used to help people with nervousness, restlessness, and stress. Its sedative properties may be responsible for much of its effect. The major use of kava kava, however, has been to help with insomnia. But due to its side effect profile, drug interactions, and safety issues it probably should be avoided.

The safety of Kava Kava is in question in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. There have been several reports of liver toxicity, hepatitis, and liver failure in people that have used Kava Kava. Some of these people have died from their injuries. Investigations are continuing into the exact cause of liver toxicity induced by Kava Kava and which chemical compound or contaminant is leading to toxicity. In December 2001, the FDA advised health care practitioners in a letter to be alert for any cases of liver toxicity in people who have or are using Kava Kava.

Kava kava is contraindicated in people with depression, as it can increase suicidal ideations (thoughts of committing suicide). Some natural product companies have combined kava kava with St. John’s Wort, for its antidepressant effects, in an effort to bypass this contraindication. Such products should be avoided and their effectiveness is unproven. Use of kava kava should also be avoided during pregnancy and when nursing.

Due to its overall actions and notably its systemic action, kava kava should be avoided in all people who are taking antipsychotic medication, antidepressants, benzodiazepines (especially Xanax), and barbiturates (including Fiorinal and Fioricet). Additionally, kava kava should be avoided when drinking alcoholic beverages, since alcohol can increase the effects of kava kava and other sedating medications.

One of the adverse reactions to kava kava is that it reportedly has led to a loss of visual acuity. Consequently, until controlled studies prove otherwise, care should be exercised while driving or working with machinery, while taking kava kava.

As mentioned above, combinations of kava kava and other natural products are available. While such combinations may appear logical, they lock in a fixed ratio of the components which may be inappropriate for you and may worsen the adverse reactions seen with either of the active ingredients. Depending on the natural products combined, the combination may appear benign, but may actually be dangerous for some people taking prescription medications. Another issue is quality assurance and how variable such products are, especially between brands. Avoid such combination products.

A dosing range that has been suggested is the equivalent 60 - 120 mg of kava pyrones daily. If used for insomnia, it probably should be taken 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime and should not be taken with other drugs or natural products used for insomnia.

Legal Info: Solumedia is not responsible for errors or omissions. The information provided on the natural product pages is only a guideline based on current literature and the pharmacological action of these products. It should not be used as the sole source of information on these products. Many of the drug interactions listed are not found in current literature but are based on likely interactions due to the actions of the interacting drugs. It is recommended that a qualified and licensed healthcare professional be consulted for additional information. Although the information provided is from reliable sources, Solumedia has no liability. This information is provided only as a service.

This page was last updated on 04/29/05.