Kava
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2024.
What are other common names?
- Piper methysticum
- Ava
- Ava Pepper
- Ava Root
- Awa
- Gea
- Gi
- Intoxicating Long Pepper
- Intoxicating Pepper
- Kao
- Kava Kava
- Kava Pepper
- Kava Root
- Kava-kava
- Kavain
- Kawa
- Kawa Kawa
- Kawa Pepper
- Kawain
- Kew
- Long Pepper
- Rauschpfeffer
- Sakau
- Tonga
- Wurzelstock
- Yangona
- Yaqona
- Yaquon
- Yongona
What is this product used for?
Kava may help lower anxiety in some people.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
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Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
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Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
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Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
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Do not breastfeed while using this product.
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Do not use in children.
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Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.
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This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs that make you drowsy or help you sleep. These are drugs like lorazepam, phenobarbital, zolpidem, or diphenhydramine.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs that affect dopamine levels. These are drugs like levodopa-carbidopa, ropinirole, and pramipexole.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs called MAO inhibitors. These are drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These may increase your risk of bleeding. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
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Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
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Kidney problems
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Liver problems
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Blood disorders
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Parkinson's disease
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Low mood
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Heart problems
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Insomnia or problems sleeping
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What should I watch for?
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Upset stomach
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Eye irritation or problems seeing
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Loss of balance or problems walking
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Mouth numbness
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Scaly rash
Related/similar drugs
Ginkgo Biloba, turmeric, saw palmetto
When do I need to call the doctor?
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Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
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Signs of muscle damage. These include bad muscle aches, reddish color of urine, decreased amount of urine, and weakness.
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Very bad throwing up
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Very bad belly pain
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Very bad loose stools
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Very bad headache
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Too tired or sleepy
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Change in your ability to think clearly
Last Reviewed Date
2024-05-29Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
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