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 | What are the side effects of Kava Kava? |
|  Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is a flowering shrub that belongs to the black pepper family. Also known as kava, its side effects include mild stomach irritation and drowsiness. Kava should not be taken for more than one month without a doctor’s supervision because it may cause skin rash, and discoloration or drying of the skin, hair, and nails. Kava may also cause liver problems, such as jaundice, acute hepatitis, and enlarged liver. On March 25, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer advisory that supplements containing kava may increase the risk of liver damage. The FDA has received reports of liver-related injuries associated with kava use. Although the risk appears to be low, the FDA recommends that consumers with a history of liver disease discuss using kava supplements with their doctor.Early symptoms of liver problems include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms while taking kava supplements.You can learn more about the FDA Public Health Advisory through the FDA Web site, here: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/addskava.htmlLarge doses of kava can have effects similar to alcohol, causing drowsiness, loss of coordination, visual disturbances, and slow reflexes. This may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.People who are depressed or who take medication for depression, anxiety, or seizures should not take kava. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursingSources:Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies. Medical Economics Co., 1999.The Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.Wong, A.H. "Herbal Remedies in Psychiatric Practice," Archives of General Psychiatry, 55 (1998). Pittler MH. “Efficacy Of Kava Extract For Treating Anxiety: Systematic Review And Meta-analysis”, Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 20 (2000).The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.Pharmacist’s Letter. “Supplements” 17 (3) Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.Food and Drug Administration Consumer Advisory. Subject: Kava Containing Dietary Supplements May Be Associated With Severe Liver Injury. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/addskava.html. Last accessed 4-24-02.This answer prepared 4/24/2002. This information updated 1/22/2007. |
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