Kava
(Kava Kava)
Introduction
Kava (also known as Kava-kava) derived from Piper methyctium, a pepper-like plant. Native to New Guinea and other South Pacific locations kava has been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Kava is an herbal sedative with claims made that it has both antianxiety and calming effects. There are current web sites selling Kava that compare it to the prescription antianxiety medicines Valium ™ and Xanax™. 1
Uses
Kava is promoted for treatment of anxiety, restlessness, stress and as a sleep aid.
Dose
DoctorsCorner.Com does not advocate the use of Kava without first consulting your physician. Dose depends on type of preparation. Serious adverse effects have occurred at the low end of recommended daily dose. Use longer than several months is not recommended.
Does it Work?
Kava does appear to have mild or at best modest sedative effects. Kava has been shown to have additive effects when used with other central nervous system depressants. It should never be used with alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazapine medications (Xanax™, Valium™, Ativan™, etc...), or antipsychotic medications.
It is not know how Kava works. However, based on both effects and side effects, it behaves a lot like phenothiazine type medications. Phenothiazine medications include Haldol ™ and Thorazine ™ which are potent antipsychotic medications used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. Both have strong tranquilizing effects.
How medicines that have tranquilizing effects can also claim to increase mental alertness is quite a mystery. Be skeptical of claims that do not make sense!
Other medications having phenothiazine-like properties include medications to prevent nausea and vomiting such as Reglan™, Compazine™ , Inapsine™, and Tigan™. All of these medications require a prescription, all have additive effects when combined with other central nervous system depressants and all have the potential to cause extrapyramidal side effects.
Phenothiazines do not appear to be addictive nor habit forming
What are the side effects?
Reported side effects include:
- Extrapyramidal
side effects are uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, eyes
and spasm or twisting of the neck or back muscles. These occur in 5-10
percent of persons using phenothiazine type medications. These are referred
to as "accommodative disturbances" by kava advocates. Most
people experiencing such "accommodative experiences" refer
to them as "real bad experiences", causing extreme fear and
panic.
- Worsening of Parkinson's
disease
- Skin rashes (uncommon)
- Liver injury with
prolonged use. Symptoms include jaundice (yellow discoloration of the
skin, whites of the eyes and nails).
- Slowed reflexes
and response time. Persons taking Kava should not drive nor operate
heavy machinery.
- Minor side effects include cramping, bloating and diarrhea
Who should not use Kava?
- Pregnant and nursing
women should never use Kava.
- Alcoholics (or
heavy drinkers) or other persons with liver problems
- Persons taking prescription medicines for depression, anxiety or seizures.
Bottom Line
Kava appears to have both sedating and anxiolytic effects that are similar to phenothiazine type medications. It also shares similar unwanted side effects and appears more toxic to the liver than phenothiazines. Kava clearly works like a drug- don't let the "natural" claim fool you.
At best users may feel quite relaxed using Kava products. This can be a good thing. At worst Kava users may experience painful uncontrollable movements of their head and body; chemical hepatitis; delirium and lethargy when used with certain other medications.
Due to very unpleasant, unpredictable and potentially dangerous side effects we do not recommend the use of Kava unless under the supervision of a physician. If you and your physician do decide that Kava is right for you be aware that extrapyramidal side effects, although not lifethreatening, are fairly common and can be quite unpleasant.
Report the first sign of yellow skin or nail discoloration to your doctor and stop using kava. Do not use Kava if you are taking other medicines without first telling your physician what you are taking, including other herbal supplements.
1. Unsubstantiated Claims about Kava: http://www.1001herbs.com/kavakava/
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