Kava kava is a plant root used to make a traditional drink that Pacific Islanders use ceremonially and socially, the way Westerners use alcohol. Kava kava supplements may be dangerous, however. They have been linked to rare, but potentially life-threatening, cases of liver damage. Kava kava is used to treat anxiety, stress and sleep problems, but the effectiveness of these uses is unproven. Do not take kava kava unless you have consulted with your doctor.
Liver Damage
The FDA has warned consumers that kava kava has been linked to serious liver damage, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. At least four people have required a liver transplant after taking kava kava. For this reason, the FDA advises anyone who has liver disease, or who is taking a drug that affects the liver, to avoid kava kava supplements unless a doctor has approved the use of the supplement. If you are taking kava kava supplements, be alert for the symptoms of liver disease, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain and appetite loss. If you develop these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Side Effects
Kava kava may have intoxicating effects and should not be taken before driving or operating machinery. People who have used large amounts of kava kava tea have been ticketed for driving under the influence, according to MedlinePlus. Kava kava may also cause skin rashes, dizziness, drowsiness, indigestion, restlessness and tremors. Heavy, long-term use may cause dry skin, yellowing of the skin, and loss of hair, hearing or appetite.
Precautions
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid kava kava because it may affect the uterus in addition to its other risks, according to MedlinePlus. If you are depressed, avoid kava kava because it may worsen your condition. If you are scheduled for surgery, stop taking kava kava at least two weeks before your procedure and alert your doctor that you were on it. Kava kava may increase the effects of anesthesia and other medications used during surgery, increasing your risk of complications.
Interactions
Do not drink alcohol if you are taking kava kava because the combination may increase the risk of intoxication and liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Kava kava may interact with many medications in ways that increase the risk of side effects or change the drug's effectiveness. Do not take kava kava in combination with any drug unless you talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. Some of the most common drugs that may be affected by kava kava are anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam or alprazolam, or any benzodiazepines or barbituates; anti-seizure medications like phenytoin; diuretics or water pills; levodopa; anti-psychotic medications like chlorpromazine; allergy drugs like promethazine and fexofenadine; drugs used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease like omeprazole; over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen; blood thinners like warfarin; and cholesterol-lowering medications like lovastatin.
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