Question 1

will prozac (fluoxetine) interact with herbal teas such as lemon balm, passion flower, linden flowers, kava, ashwagandha, jujube and valerian?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Any interaction is not significant.

Question 2

what is kava kava good for?

Accepted Answer

Careful: Kava kava has been used for many psychiatric conditions, however the evidence is strongest for efficacy in treating anxiety. However there are significant  safety concerns including possible liver damage and even some deaths related to kava use.

Question 3

can kava kava work for anxiety?

Accepted Answer

It can: Results with otc kava kava vary.  I've had patients drink it in teas or take capsule forms with good results and some not so much.  Seeing a professional can help you learn tools to manage your anxiety and would be more effective in the long run.

Question 4

why we combine kava with valerian?

Accepted Answer

Not used together: As a matter of fact they should not be used together as there is a drug interaction
If used together it can cause dizziness,drowsiness,and difficulty concentrating.And in some impairs thinking and judgement

Question 5

i have mild anxiety will kava kava help my situation?

Accepted Answer

Although: Kava can help with mild anxiety - must be cautious if there are any liver problems.

Question 6

what do you recommend for anxiety? true calm, passion flower, or kava extract?

Accepted Answer

Herbal remedies: can help.   Others are Valerian Root, and small doses of Melatonin (very small during the day as this is usually used at night to help fall asleep).   The cause of anxiety is worth investigating, because anxiety itself is a symptom of other dynamics, physical or mental.   Here's a reference:

http://www.psychologyproductsandservices.com/page2.html

Question 7

is kava dangerous to your health? if so, is there a certain amount of consumption that should be avoided (eg is once a week ok)?

Accepted Answer

Kava-kava: Kava is consumed through polynesia, including hawaii, vanuatu, melanesia and some parts of micronesia. It is sedating and is used in several forms to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Active ingredients are called kavalactones. One study showed it likely to be more effective than placebo at treating anxiety.  Low doses are safe.

Question 8

what do you take kava kava for?

Accepted Answer

Do not use it: Kava has been known to cause severe liver damage up to the point of requiring a transplant. Even after short term use it can be liver toxic.  There is a long list of medications that show an interaction between kava and the medication.  Kava is supposed to be indicated for stress relief as well as a long list of other indications.  None of these have been scientifically proven.

Question 9

can i take kava kava while on citoprolam hbr?

Accepted Answer

Kava possibly unsafe: Check out http://umm.Edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/kava-kava & http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/872.Html which both mention concerns about liver safety from kava. I find it more curious that you asked about taking it w/citalopram but not lisinopril. Ideally, you need to check w/your family doc or prescribing physician regarding any otc supplement you take in add'n to prescripti.

Question 10

is kava ok to take now that it is no longer banned?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Depends on your physical condition.

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Doctor answers about:

Ashwagandha vs kava

A member asked:

Will prozac (fluoxetine) interact with herbal teas such as lemon balm, passion flower, linden flowers, kava, ashwagandha, jujube and valerian?

A member asked:

What is kava kava good for?

A member asked:

Can kava kava work for anxiety?

A member asked:

Why we combine kava with valerian?

A member asked:

I have mild anxiety will kava kava help my situation?

A member asked:

What do you recommend for anxiety? true calm, passion flower, or kava extract?

A member asked:

Is kava dangerous to your health? if so, is there a certain amount of consumption that should be avoided (eg is once a week ok)?

A member asked:

What do you take kava kava for?

A member asked:

Can i take kava kava while on citoprolam hbr?

A member asked:

Is kava ok to take now that it is no longer banned?

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