Kava has been used for anxiety and stress. The US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public safety alert about kava
and liver problems.
Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to
contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist
for more details regarding the particular brand you use.
The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or
effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
This herbal product should not be used for more than 3
months at a time.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think
you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, mouth numbness,
or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- muscle spasm/stiffness/weakness
- uncontrolled movements (especially of lips and tongue)
- loss of coordination
- shakiness (tremor)
- easy bleeding/bruising
- weight loss
- red/pink urine
Taking kava continuously for a long time may cause
reddened eyes, dry/scaly skin, or yellowing hair/skin/nails. These symptoms
usually disappear when kava is stopped. Stop taking kava right away if you
develop any of these symptoms. Yellowing skin may also be a sign of liver
problems. Get medical help right away if you develop yellowing
eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking kava, tell your doctor or pharmacist if
you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- depression
- past/current liver disease
- Parkinson's disease
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may
also increase the risk of serious liver problems. Talk to your doctor if
you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or
alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or
liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using kava. Kava may harm an
unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about
the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product
include:
- drugs that can harm the liver (including acetaminophen,
amiodarone, isoniazid, methotrexate, methyldopa, "statins" such as
atorvastatin and lovastatin)
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for
sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle
relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such
as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness, inability to move.
Tell your doctor that you are taking kava. Lab and/or
medical tests (such as liver function) may be done while you are taking
this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If
you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all
medications and herbal products away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.