Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 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

how much kava kava would you have to drink before it can harm you?

Accepted Answer

See below: Kava kava has been shown to have some relaxation effects. However it also has been associated with liver damage. It's impossible to say how much kava could be dangerous because 1) the cause of the liver damage is unclear & 2) the amount of kava in a given preparation is not standardized. It's recommended that kava only be used under a doctor's supervision.

Question 7

what is your opinion on kava kava for anxiety? l-theanine has been helpful but i've heard mixed things about kava kava. what is proper dosage?

Accepted Answer

See below: New research indicates there are advantages to using kava to treat anxiety, rather than pharmaceutical drugs. A  trial of 60 people with chronic levels of anxiety has found anxiety dropped significantly. 
You can use these kava products for anxiety by taking 2.5 grams of quick kava or a 330 ml lava cola.

Question 8

is it okay to drink kava kava if i'm taking cetirizine?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is no problem with either . How much kava kava should be consumed is another issue.

Question 9

can you take kava kava with zoloft (sertraline)?

Accepted Answer

No problem, but….: The active chemical of Kava Kava is a minor tranquilizer. Sertraline can help people with anxiety related to phobias, panic disorder, OCD, depression and generalized anxiety. The way these two substances work is different, as Sertraline is a Serotonine reuptake inhibitort. A combination of KK would be similar to Alprazolam or other benzodiazepine. Ask your PCP to find out if this could be OK.

Question 10

what is the problem with lisinopril and kava kava?

Accepted Answer

Liver: Kava kava (piper methysticum) alone has been reported to cause liver toxicity and the combination increases this likelihood.

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Doctor answers about:

KavA kava

A member asked:

What is kava kava good for?

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:

Can kava kava work for anxiety?

A member asked:

I have mild anxiety will kava kava help my situation?

A member asked:

How much kava kava would you have to drink before it can harm you?

A member asked:

What is your opinion on kava kava for anxiety? l-theanine has been helpful but i've heard mixed things about kava kava. what is proper dosage?

A member asked:

Is it okay to drink kava kava if i'm taking cetirizine?

A member asked:

Can you take kava kava with zoloft (sertraline)?

A member asked:

What is the problem with lisinopril and kava kava?

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