Also from Answers.com... Cholesterol Why it’s so important to manage your cholesterol levels.

To return to the main entry click here.

What is kava kava?

KAVA KAVA (Kavatrol® and many others) is a dietary supplement (herbal remedy) that is being promoted for its ability to promote relaxation and improve symptoms related to stress. At this time, there is no FDA approved use of this herb, and there are concerns that the herb may cause liver problems in some people. Most people should check with their health care professional before taking kava kava. Kava kava is available from many different manufacturers of dietary supplements. Many products containing kava kava in combination with other herbs are also available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

It is important for you to tell your prescriber or other health care professional that you are using kava kava. Some herbs exert potent effects and may interact with other drugs you are taking.

You should discuss kava kava with your health care professional BEFORE taking it if you have any of these conditions:
• are a frequent user of alcohol or have a history of drug abuse
• difficulty sleeping
• a history of emotional illness, such as anxiety or depression
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease or any other neurologic condition
• seizure disorder (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to kava kava, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This herb should be taken orally (i.e., swallowed). Follow the directions on the package labeling, or talk to your health care professional. Do not take more of this herb than is recommended.

Kava kava should not be used for longer than 3 months without the advice of a health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this herb in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose is probably not harmful. If you miss a dose, simply resume taking it on your previous schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up, however.

What drug(s) may interact with kava kava?

• alcohol and alcoholic beverages
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• leflunomide
• medications for depression, anxiety, or other emotional or psychiatric problems
• medications for pain
• medications to treat Parkinson's disease or other neurologic illness
• medications for sleep
• methotrexate
• muscle relaxants
• riluzole
• tacrine
• valerian
• warfarin and other blood thinners

For many herbs, interactions with other medications are unknown. That is why you should always be careful when mixing herbal remedies with traditional medications. If you take any other medications, consult with your health care professional prior to taking kava kava.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking kava kava?

Since kava kava is derived from a plant, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using this herb if you develop a rash. You may want to see your health care professional, or inform them that this occurred.

Kava kava may cause drowsiness. Driving or operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness requires caution when taking kava kava. You should not participate in these activities until you determine how kava kava affects you.

Do not drink alcohol while taking kava kava. Alcohol can increase side effects from kava kava.

Do not use kava kava if you are currently being treated for a mental or emotional problem such as depression or anxiety. Kava kava may interfere with your treatments. Also do not stop your prescribed treatments without talking to your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are taking this herb to help you to relax, you should realize that self treatment should continue for no longer than 3 months. You should contact your health care professional for advice prior to prolonged use.

Different brands of kava kava might contain different amounts of active ingredient so be careful to use the same brand. It is recommended that you use a brand from a reliable manufacturer and one that has been standardized. A standardized product is more likely to contain the same amount of herb from dose to dose. Your health care professional or pharmacist can assist you in finding a standardized product.

If you are scheduled to have surgery, let your surgeon know you are taking kava kava.

What side effects may I notice from using kava kava?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Kava kava may cause liver problems; report any of the following immediately to your health care professional:
• abdominal pain
• dark yellow or brown urine
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• unusual tiredness
Also report any of these other side effects to your health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in vision, or irritation of the eyes
• confusion, forgetfulness
• depressed mood, nervousness, or other mood changes
• difficulty speaking
• difficulty staying awake or alert
• loss of coordination
• muscle cramps
• rash
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• skin, hair or nail discoloration
• staggering or jerky movements, tremors
• weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• drowsiness, dizziness
• weight changes

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature; do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:
Dietary supplements include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and other plant-derived substances, and extracts of these substances. These products are easy to identify as they must state "Dietary Supplement" on the label. A "Supplement Facts" panel is provided on the label for most products. Supplements are not drugs and are not regulated like drugs. You should note that rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. Big differences in potency and purity of these products can occur. Scientific data to support the use of a dietary supplement for a certain disease or ailment may not be available. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:
• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• "Natural" doesn't mean a product is safe for humans to take.
• Look for products containing ingredients with the "USP" notation. This indicates the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• Supplements produced or distributed by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls as these companies have standards in place for their other products. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.