Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Kava is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, restlessness, trouble sleeping.Based on those ingredients, 1,166 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Kava root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava by Source Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava by Source Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava by Source Naturals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: kava root extract, a plant preparation used traditionally for relaxation and anxiety. The extract is delivered in a liquid form with organic grain alcohol and deionized water as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Leans against
The evidence for kava's use is mixed and limited. For generalized anxiety, it's rated possibly ineffective — meaning the data doesn't support a clear benefit.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to rate whether it works. The research on kava's effectiveness is not as strong as you might hope.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, kava is generally well tolerated, but it does carry real risks. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, memory problems, and tremor.
The serious concern is liver injury — over 100 cases have been reported worldwide, especially after weeks of regular use. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowed skin and eyes, dark urine, and severe abdominal pain.
Kava is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and the possibility it could pass to your infant.
If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using any kava product.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, opioids, or alcohol) — kava adds to their sedative effects. Also flag any medications metabolized by CYP2C19, CYP2E1, or CYP2C9 enzymes, P-glycoprotein substrates, haloperidol, or ropinirole.
If you take any prescription medication or have liver disease, get clearance before you start.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Kava may help with anxiety, but the evidence is weak and the risks are real — especially liver injury with regular use and serious interactions with sedatives and other common drugs. If you're considering it, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take any medications or have liver concerns.
It's not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2017.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Kava, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078027225 |
| Net contents | 4 fl. Oz.; 118.28 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 22, 2017 |
| DSLD ID | 81405 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Kava by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Kava root extract | 1 mL | -- |
Other ingredients: organic Grain Alcohol, deionized Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Serene Science
General Statements
For occasional anxiety
Kava is made from the roots of a pepper family plant, Piper methysticum. Clinical studies indicate kava may help with occasional anxiety. Pacific Island people from New Guinea to Hawaii have used kava for centuries.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 1/2 dropperfuls 1 to 2 times daily.
Shake well before using.
Precautions
Warning: US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages or are taking any medication.
Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use or use with products that cause drowsiness may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment.
Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
General
SN2722 REV B165
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava by Source Naturals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Kava by Source Naturals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.
Kava root extract
Interacts with1,166 drugs
Kava is a Pacific Island plant traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, and some studies suggest it may help mild anxiety. However,...
Kava root extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Organic Grain Alcohol, Deionized Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Source Naturals Kava root extract has documented interactions with a substantial number of medications.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications, opioids, alcohol) — kava adds to their sedative effects and can worsen drowsiness and impair your reflexes.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also interacts with several other drug categories. It may increase blood levels of medications broken down by CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP2C9 enzymes (a category spanning many common drugs across heart, blood pressure, seizure, and pain management).
There's theoretical concern with P-glycoprotein substrates like digoxin, though one human study didn't confirm an interaction. Kava has also been linked to rare cardiovascular side effects and dopamine-related problems when combined with haloperidol and ropinirole.
Beyond drug interactions, kava itself carries a serious safety concern: over 100 cases of liver injury have been reported, especially with long-term use. Altogether, these interactions span 1,167 individual medications.
Before you start kava, run your exact medications through the search tool on this page, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist — especially if you take sedatives, heart or blood pressure drugs, or have any liver concerns.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Kava interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Kava root extract
HexobarbitalHexobarbital, Sombulex
How Hexobarbital interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hexobarbital interactionHomatropine Methylbromide, HydrocodoneHycodan, Tussigon
How Homatropine Methylbromide, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Homatropine Methylbromide, Hydrocodone interactionHydrocodoneHydrocodone, Zohydro ER
How Hydrocodone interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone interactionHydrocodone BitartrateHysingla, Vantrela ER
How Hydrocodone Bitartrate interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone Bitartrate interactionHydrocodone, IbuprofenVicoprofen
How Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interactionHydrocodone, PseudoephedrineP-V-Tussin, Rezira
How Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine interactionHydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, ChlorpheniramineZutripro
How Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionHydrocodone/chlorpheniramineTussionex
How Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interactionHydromorphoneDilaudid, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone
How Hydromorphone interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hydromorphone interactionHyoscyamine, PhenobarbitalLevsin Pb, Levsinex Pb Timecaps
How Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital interactionIbuprofen, HydrocodoneIbucodone
How Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interactionIbuprofen, OxycodoneCombunox
How Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interactionIndiplonIndiplon
How Indiplon interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Indiplon interactionKetazolamLoftran
How Ketazolam interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Ketazolam interactionLamotrigineLamictal
How Lamotrigine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lamotrigine interactionLasmiditan SuccinateReyvow
How Lasmiditan Succinate interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lasmiditan Succinate interactionLemborexantDayvigo
How Lemborexant interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lemborexant interactionLevetiracetamElepsia XR, Keppra, Spritam
How Levetiracetam interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Levetiracetam interactionLevomethadylOrlaam
How Levomethadyl interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Levomethadyl interactionLevorphanolLevo-Dromoran
How Levorphanol interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Levorphanol interactionLithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
How Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interactionLofepramineFeprapax, Gamanil, Lomont, Tymelyt
How Lofepramine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lofepramine interactionLorazepamAtivan
How Lorazepam interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Lorazepam interactionLoxapineAdasuve, Loxitane
How Loxapine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Loxapine interactionMagnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate
How Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interactionMeperidineCytospaz, Pethadol
How Meperidine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Meperidine interactionMeperidine, PromethazineMepergan, Meprozine
How Meperidine, Promethazine interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Meperidine, Promethazine interactionMephenytoinMesantoin
How Mephenytoin interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Mephenytoin interactionMephobarbitalMebaral
How Mephobarbital interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Mephobarbital interactionMeprobamateEquanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate
How Meprobamate interacts with Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Root Extract + Meprobamate interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Kava root extract
Cns Depressants
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, not be used with kava.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Combining kava with alcohol may increase the risk of sedation and/or hepatotoxicity.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Additionally, kava has been associated with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that alcohol not be used with kava.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days inhibited the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Combining kava and haloperidol might increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and hypoxia.
Atrial flutter and hypoxia has been reported for a patient who received intramuscular injections of haloperidol and lorazepam after using kava orally. The side effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP2D6, but might also have been related to additive adverse effects with the concomitant use of haloperidol, lorazepam, and kava.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Kava has been linked with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. Most cases occur with excessive and prolonged use. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava can inhibit P-gp efflux. However, a clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking kava standardized to provide 225 mg kavalactones daily for 14 days does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate. It is possible that the use of other P-gp substrates or higher doses of kava might still inhibit P-gp.
Ropinirole (Requip)
Taking kava with ropinirole might increase the risk for dopaminergic toxicity.
A case of visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions has been reported for a patient who used kava in combination with ropinirole. The adverse effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP1A2, which may have reduced the metabolism of ropinirole, resulting in excessive dopaminergic stimulation.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research and a case report suggest that kava inhibits CYP1A2, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP1A2. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP1A2 activity.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava extract significantly inhibits CYP2D6. However, clinical research shows that kava does not affect the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research suggests that kava inhibits CYP3A4, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP3A4. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP3A4 activity.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Kava, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Kava by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Kava by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will kava make me drowsy?
Can I take kava if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is kava safe for long-term use?
Can I take kava with my anxiety or sleep medication?
What does kava root extract actually do?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Kava is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Kava’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Kava's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 71 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Kava 71 references
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Strahl S, Ehret V, Dahm HH, Maier KP. [Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal medication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1998;123:1410-4.
- Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
- Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
- Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:84-9. PubMed
- Volz HP, Kieser M. Kava-kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders--a randomized placebo-controlled 25-week outpatient trial. Pharmacopsychiatry 1997;30:1-5. PubMed
- Heinze HJ, Munthe TF, Steitz J, Matzke M. Pharmacopsychological effects of oxazepam and kava-extract in a visual search paradigm assessed with event-related potentials. Pharmacopsychiatry 1994;27:224-30. PubMed
- Munte TF, Heinze HJ, Matzke M, Steitz J. Effects of oxazepam and an extract of kava roots (Piper methysticum) on event-related potentials in a word recognition task. Neuropsychobiology 1993;27:46-53.
- Wheatley D. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination. Hum Psychopharmacol 2001;16:353-6. PubMed
- Schelosky L, Raffaup C, Jendroska K, Poewe W. Kava and dopamine antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995;58:639-40. PubMed
- Norton SA, Ruze P. Kava dermopathy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;31:89-97.
- Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh:Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
- Mathews JD, Riley MD, Fejo L, et al. Effects of heavy usage of kava on physical health: Summary of a pilot survey in an aboriginal community. Med J Aust 1988;148:548-55.
- Escher M, Desmeules J, Giostra E, Mentha G. Hepatitis associated with Kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety. BMJ 2001;322:139.
- Russmann S, Lauterburg BH, Helbling A. Kava hepatotoxicity [letter]. Ann Intern Med 2001;135:68-9.
- Liver Toxicity With Kava. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. January 2001.
- Consultation letter MLX 286: Proposals to prohibit the herbal ingredient Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) in unlicensed medicines. Medicines Control Agency, United Kingdom, July 19, 2002.
- Meseguer E, Taboada R, Sanchez V, et al. Life-threatening parkinsonism induced by kava-kava. Mov Disord 2002;17:195-6. PubMed
- Ruze P. Kava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency? Lancet 1990;335:1442-5. PubMed
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