Side Effects of Kava Kava

Due to reports of very dangerous side effects of kava kava, the herbal supplement has been banned in several countries. Some of these potentially serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include spasms, shakiness, and severe liver damage. However, not all kava kava side effects are serious; some are merely bothersome, such as headache, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

 

Does Kava Kava Cause Side Effects?

As with any medication or supplement, side effects are possible with kava kava (Piper methysticum). In fact, several countries have banned the supplement due to reports of very dangerous side effects. However, not all of the possible kava kava side effects are serious; some are merely bothersome.
 

Side Effects With Kava Kava to Report

There are a number of potential side effects with kava kava that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), upper right abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes (found using a blood test)
  • Unusual, uncontrollable body movements or spasms
  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
     
The most serious kava kava side effect is liver damage. Many people dispute the validity of such reports (claiming that these cases of liver damage may be due to something other than kava kava); however, there have been many such cases in numerous different countries. Several countries have completely banned the use of kava kava. In the United States, the FDA has issued a warning about possible liver damage due to kava kava.
 

Possible Side Effects of Kava Kava

Possible bothersome (although usually not serious) kava kava side effects may include:
 
  • Stomach upset
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Dry mouth
  • Scaly, dry, yellowed skin
  • Red eyes
  • Yellow discoloration of the hair and nails.
     

Final Thoughts on Kava Kava Side Effects

It is possible that you may experience some or none of the kava kava side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking kava kava or if something "just does not seem right" during treatment. While it may not be a side effect of kava kava, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;