Kava

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 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?

• 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.

• Do not use in children.

• 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, phenobarbital, zolpidem, or diphenhydramine.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that affect dopamine levels. These are drugs like levodopa-carbidopa, ropinirole, and pramipexole.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs called MAO inhibitors. These are drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

• 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.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Blood disorders

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Low mood

  • Heart problems

  • Insomnia or problems sleeping

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Eye irritation or problems seeing

• Loss of balance or problems walking

• Mouth numbness

• Scaly rash

Related/similar drugs

When do I need to call the doctor?

• 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.

• Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.

• Signs of muscle damage. These include bad muscle aches, reddish color of urine, decreased amount of urine, and weakness.

• 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

Last Reviewed Date

2024-05-29

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Frequently asked questions

• Does Kava interact with any drugs?
• Does Kava interact with any drugs?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer