Khat Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Khat Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Khat is potentially unsafe when used orally. Although it is not physically addictive, it can lead to psychological dependence. High doses of khat may cause paranoia, psychosis, and aggression. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid khat as it has been associated with adverse effects on maternal and infant health.

How Does Khat Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Khat affects the body through various mechanisms. Its main active constituents, cathine and cathinone, have stimulant effects similar to amphetamines. They stimulate the release of dopamine and prevent its reuptake, resulting in increased brain activity and alertness. Khat also has adrenergic effects, causing the stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Additionally, khat has been associated with increased blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow velocity in the arteries. The exact mechanisms behind its antidiabetic, dental, and psychiatric effects are not fully understood.

Pharmacokinetics

After chewing khat, the major constituents, cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine, reach peak plasma levels within a few hours. Cathinone is metabolized to norepinephrine and both cathinone and cathine have relatively short elimination half-lives. The body eliminates these compounds and their metabolites through urine.

Interaction Overview

Khat may interact with several drugs and supplements. Notable interactions include a reduction in the effectiveness of amoxicillin if taken together, potential interference with antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotic drugs, chloroquine, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is important to separate the administration of khat and amoxicillin by at least two hours. Individuals taking antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotic drugs, chloroquine, or MAOIs should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before using khat. Additionally, combining khat with stimulant drugs or supplements with stimulant properties can increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Chewing khat may lead to various side effects. These can include euphoria, excessive talkativeness, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and manic behavior. High doses of khat have been associated with depressed mood, paranoia, psychosis, and serious adverse effects such as migraines, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and liver cirrhosis. Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, nervousness, depression, loss of appetite, trembling, sleep problems, and nightmares, may occur in chronic users. Dental effects such as periodontal problems and gum recession have also been reported.

Are Khat Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient information available regarding the standardization of khat supplements. Further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for the production and formulation of khat products.

What is Khat Typically Used For?

Some of the common uses include:

• Diabetes: Khat leaf is sometimes used to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, although its effects are variable and not well-established.
• Muscle strength: There is limited evidence to suggest that khat improves muscle strength. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Depression: Khat leaf has been used to alleviate symptoms of depression, but its efficacy is uncertain.
• Fatigue: Khat leaf has been traditionally used to combat fatigue and increase energy levels.
• Obesity: Some people use khat leaf to suppress appetite and facilitate weight loss.
• Gastric ulcers: Khat leaf has been employed to relieve symptoms of gastric ulcers, although more research is needed to validate this use.
• Headache: Khat leaf has been used to alleviate headaches, although its effectiveness is not well-established.
• Male infertility: Khat leaf has been traditionally used to address male infertility, but there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
• Labor facilitation: In some cases, khat leaf has been used to aid in the process of labor.
• Focus and aggression: Khat leaf is believed to increase focus and promote a sense of aggression, although further research is needed to substantiate these effects.

It's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited and inconclusive. Additionally, khat may have potential risks and side effects. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using khat or any other herbal remedy.

Drugs that interact with Khat