Kava, known botanically as Piper methysticum, is a plant consumed for its sedative and anti-anxiety properties. The active component in kava are called kavalctones. The root of the plant is ground and prepared for traditional drinks and prepared commercially as herbal supplements. In the January 2003 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," Dr. Max Pittler and Dr. Edzard Ernst found that kava is more effective than placebo at treating short-term social anxiety. Patients should always consult their physician before taking alternative and herbal remedies. Kava may cause several side effects and patients should never take more than the maximum daily dosage.
Common and Mild Side Effects
Kava may cause several mild and common side effects. According to eMedTV, patients taking kava may experience upset stomach, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, enlarged pupils and dry mouth. Other side effects may include scaly, dry skin, red eyes and yellow discoloration of the hair and nails. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine also states that patients may experience motor dysfunction including loss of balance and poor eye-hand coordination. In the May 2009 issue of "Psychopharmacology," Dr. Jerome Sarris and associates found that doses effective enough to reduce anxiety usually only result in mild side effects. The researchers also found that most of the side effects, including nausea, dizziness and flu-like symptoms, often go away within a few days after the body adjusts to the new herbal supplement.
Serious Side Effects
Patients may also experience more serious side effects from taking kava. Serious side effects may result from impaired liver function, taking excessive amounts, and allergic reactions. According to eMedTV, patients should immediately consult their physician if they experience signs of liver damage including yellow eyes or skin, pain in the upper right abdomen, and abnormal liver blood tests. Other serious side effects may include allergic reactions including rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Safe Limits and Dosage
Patients should consult their physician or a licensed naturopathic doctor when considering taking kava to treat anxiety. Patients should never take more than the recommended dosage due to possible liver damage and other serious side effects. The Australian government's Therapeutic Goods Administration states that patients taking tablets should take no more than 125 mg of kavalactones per dose.The total daily maximum dose is 250 mg. Patients drinking ground kava tea should limit to 3 grams per dose. The American Cancer Society states that daily dosages should range between 50 and 240 mg per day and that patients should not take kava for more than 4 consecutive weeks unless recommended by their physician.
References
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Kava Extract Versus Placebo For Treating Anxiety; Dr. Max Pittler and Edzard Ernst; January 2003
- EmedTV: Kava Side Effects
- "Psychopharmacology"; The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study; Dr.Jerome Sarris et al.; May 2009
- American Cancer Society: Kava
- Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration: Kava Fact Sheet
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