Kava and benzodiazepines. Oct 7, 2025 · Kava, an herbal supplement, can have dangerous i...

Kava and benzodiazepines. Oct 7, 2025 · Kava, an herbal supplement, can have dangerous interactions with various medications, including alcohol, CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and any drugs processed by the liver. The National Institutes of Health specifically warns against using kava alongside benzodiazepines (common anti-anxiety medications) or alcohol. Kava can affect the metabolism of certain meds metabolized by the liver, potentially altering the efficacy or causing toxicity Feb 8, 2023 · If you’ve heard kava referred to as “nature’s Xanax,” you might be eager to get your hands on a cup of this all-natural mood relaxer. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia and symptoms related to menopause. Abstract Rationale: Kava (Piper methysticum) is a psychotropic plant medicine with history of cultural and medicinal use. But a family physician warns that kava comes with The active compounds — called kavalactones — interact directly with GABA receptors, the same pathway that alcohol and benzodiazepines target, producing feelings of relaxation, mild euphoria, and social ease. On admission to an acute psychiatric ward, she was agitated, irritable, disorientated and wearing her dress inside out. Today, thousands of people use kava drinks for the same reasons. Summary: Kava (Piper methysticum) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are well known natural medicines used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Both are known to influence or modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptor activity that can result in CNS depression, as are benzodiazepines. ewg ywvgg bduicf ujprtzo khqo ljlj maayssn ntlgkms dqvwf iwg