Kava

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 7, 2023.

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 is used to help lower anxiety and as a sleep aid. It may also relax muscles.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
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.
Do not breastfeed while using this product.
Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.
This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs that make you drowsy or help you sleep. These are drugs like lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), or diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Blood disorders
- Parkinson's disease
- Low mood
- Heart problems

What should I watch for?

Upset stomach
Decreased amount of urine
Eye irritation or problems seeing
Loss of balance or problems walking
Mouth numbness
Scaly rash

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
Very bad throwing up
Very bad belly pain
Very bad loose stools
Very bad headache
Too tired or sleepy
Change in your ability to think clearly

Where can I learn more?

National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/kava

Last Reviewed Date

2019-05-09

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