Kava Kava

Kava kava is a pepper-like plant from the South Pacific that is often used to help treat insomnia, anxiety, stress, and other conditions. While some evidence suggests that the ingredient may be effective for treating anxiety, there is less information regarding its effectiveness for other uses. Side effects of kava kava may include drowsiness, dizziness, and severe liver damage.

 

What Is Kava Kava?

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is an herbal supplement often used to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms. It is a pepper-like plant native to the South Pacific islands, where it is used to prepare a traditional beverage.
 
(Click Kava Kava Benefits for more information on what kava kava is used for, including additional uses.)
 

Side Effects of Kava Kava

Many people believe that natural products, such as kava kava, have no side effects.
 However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. This supplement can cause side effects, such as:
 
  • Severe liver damage
  • Stomach upset
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Abnormal muscle movements or spasms
  • Dry, scaly, yellowed skin.
     
(Click Side Effects of Kava Kava to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Is It Safe?

At this time, the supplement does not appear to be safe, due to concerns about liver toxicity. Some people may be more likely than others to experience problems. You may be at high risk of dangerous side effects if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Safety of Kava Kava for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

How Does Kava Kava Work?

It is not exactly clear how it works. There are several different theories involving numerous different brain chemicals which attempt to explain how the supplement works. Kava kava seems to have the following properties:
 
  • Anti-anxiety properties
  • Sedative properties
  • Anti-seizure properties
  • Local anesthetic properties
  • Anti-spasm properties
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
     

Is It Effective?

There is some evidence that kava kava may be effective for treating anxiety, including anxiety associated with menopause. It may also be helpful in preventing or reducing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines (certain medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures).
 
(Click Does Kava Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information

The safe and effective kava kava dose for any use has not yet been established.
 
(Click Kava Kava Dosing for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions

Kava kava may interact with several other medications or supplements (see Drug Interactions With Kava Kava).
 

What If I Take a Kava Kava Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose, although it is reasonable to expect that any of the usual side effects could occur (but perhaps more severely).
 
If you think you may have taken too much kava kava, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Kava Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Kava Kava

Refer to the label of your individual kava kava product for information on how to best store kava kava. Keep kava kava and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;