Kava Haven Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Kava Haven
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava Haven 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 Haven is a dietary supplement by Kava Haven 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 Noble Kava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Haven by Kava Haven
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Haven by Kava Haven — 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
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava Haven by Kava Haven
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
Kava Haven is a liquid supplement containing one active ingredient: noble kava. The liquid also includes inactive ingredients for flavor and preservation — water, lemon and orange juice concentrates, extracts of cardamom, ginger, lemon, and orange blossom, vanilla, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for kava's effectiveness is limited. For generalized anxiety (one of its traditional uses), research shows it's possibly ineffective.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. The data we hold doesn't establish its effectiveness for epilepsy either.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, kava is generally well tolerated, though common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor. The serious concern is liver injury — over 100 cases have been reported worldwide, though some experts dispute a few of these cases.
In people who are susceptible, liver damage can show up after just 3 to 4 weeks of use, with signs like yellowing skin and eyes. Kava is not safe in 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.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Check your medications against these types before starting: CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications) are the biggest concern; CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1 substrate medications; hepatotoxic drugs (drugs that can damage the liver); haloperidol and ropinirole specifically; and P-glycoprotein substrates. Use the medication checker below to search your exact drugs.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Kava Haven is not for everyone. If you take sedatives, sleep aids, antipsychotics, or Parkinson's medications, or if you have liver disease or take drugs that stress the liver, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it.
Because of the documented liver-injury risk, especially with ongoing use, this is a supplement worth a conversation with your pharmacist, not a casual add-on.
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 Aug 22, 2025.
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 Haven, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Kava Haven |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 750 Milliliter(s); 25.4 Fluid Ounce(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 22, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 332977 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| 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 Haven by Kava Haven, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 Calorie(s) | -- |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5 Gram(s) | 2% |
| Added Sugars | 0 Gram(s) | -- |
| Total Sugars | 5 Gram(s) | -- |
| Noble Kava | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Water, Filtered, Lemon Juice Concentrate, white grape juice, Lemon Extract, Cardamom Extract, Orange Blossom Extract, Vanilla extract, Ginger extract, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
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.
Formulation
Zero proof Kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit
Formula
Kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Haven by Kava Haven 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 Haven by Kava Haven
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1.5 fl. Oz. Dosage formLiquid Servings per container17 Amounts shown are per serving.
Noble Kava
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,...
Noble Kava monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Water, Filtered, Lemon Juice Concentrate, White grape juice, Lemon Extract, Cardamom Extract, Orange Blossom Extract, Vanilla extract, Ginger extract, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Haven by Kava Haven Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Kava Haven contains noble kava, which has documented interactions with a number of medication types.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants — drugs that slow your central nervous system, like sedatives, sleep aids, and some pain relievers. Kava itself has sedative effects, and combining it with these medications can add up to dangerous levels of drowsiness and impaired reflexes.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also interacts with several enzyme systems in your liver that metabolize drugs. It may increase blood levels of medications that depend on CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1 enzymes to break down — meaning those drugs could build up in your system and become stronger than intended.
There's also a theoretical concern with P-glycoprotein substrates, though a clinical trial of digoxin (a heart medication) did not show an effect. Two specific medications carry documented case reports: haloperidol (an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (a Parkinson's medication), both with risks of serious side effects when combined with kava.
Kava has also been linked with liver injury — over 100 cases have been reported, mostly with heavy, long-term use. Taking it alongside other drugs that can strain the liver raises that risk further.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,146 individual medications.
Before you start Kava Haven, use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact prescriptions.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava Haven?
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 Haven interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava Haven interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Noble Kava
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaP-glycoprotein Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acebutolol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interactionAcetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
How Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Haven — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Noble KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Noble Kava + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava Haven 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.
Noble Kava
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 Haven, from the product label.
Kava Haven by Kava Haven: Common Questions
Does Kava Haven by Kava Haven interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take Kava Haven if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Is kava really bad for your liver?
Does kava actually work for anxiety?
Why is kava restricted in some countries?
What's in the liquid besides kava?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Kava Haven 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 Haven’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Kava Haven'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
- Singh YN. Kava: an overview. J Ethnopharmacol 1992;37:13-45.
- Bilia AR, Gallori S, Vincieri FF. Kava-kava and anxiety: growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. Life Sci 2002;70:2581-97. PubMed
- Wooltorton E. Herbal kava: reports of liver toxicity. CMAJ 2002;166:777.
- Mathews JM, Etheridge AS, Black SR. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 activities by kava extract and kavalactones. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:1153-7. PubMed
- Logan JL, Ahmed J. Critical hypokalemic renal tubular acidosis due to Sjogren's syndrome: association with the purported immune stimulant echinacea. Clin Rheumatol 2003;22:158-9.
- Teschke R, Gaus W, Loew D. Kava extracts: safety and risks including rare hepatotoxicity. Phytomedicine 2003;10:440-6. PubMed
- Schmidt P, Boehncke WH. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to kava-kava extract. Contact Dermatitis 2000;42:363-4.
- Schulze J, Raasch W, Siegers CP. Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions--a case study. Phytomedicine 2003;10:68-73.. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD003383.
- Cairney S, Maruff P, Clough AR, et al. Saccade and cognitive impairment associated with kava intoxication. Hum Psychopharmacol 2003;18:525-33. PubMed
- Moulds RF, Malani J. Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? Med J Aust 2003;178:451-3. PubMed
- Gow PJ, Connelly NJ, Hill RL, et al. Fatal fulminant hepatic failure induced by a natural therapy containing kava. Med J Aust 2003;178:442-3. PubMed
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005;77:415-26. PubMed
- Weiss J, Sauer A, Frank A, Unger M. Extracts and kavalactones of Piper methysticum G. Forst (kava-kava) inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro. Drug Metab Dispos 2005;33:1580-3. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Swain A, Barone GW, et al. Effect of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans. Drug Metab Dispos 2007;35:240-5. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Swain A, Hubbard MA, et al. Clinical assessement of CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions in humans: Effects of milk-thistle, black cohosh, goldenseal, kava kava, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008;52:755-63.
- Li XZ, Ramzan I. Role of ethanol in kava hepatotoxicity. Phytother Res 2010;24:475-80. PubMed
- Bodkin R, Schneider S, Rekkerth D, et al. Rhabdomyolysis associated with kava ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 2012;30:635.el-3. PubMed
- Donadio V, Bonsi P, Zele I, et al. Myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava. Ginkgo biloba and kava. Neurol Sci 2000;21:124. PubMed
- Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ, Byrne G, et al. The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology 2009;205:399-407. PubMed
- Hannam S, Murray M, Romani L, Tuicakau M, J Whitfeld M. Kava dermopathy in Fiji: an acquired ichthyosis? Int J Dermatol 2014;53(12):1490-4. PubMed
- Huynh JC, Asgari MM, Moore MM. Sebotropic eruption associated with use of oral kava kava supplement. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014;39(7):816-8. PubMed
- Teschke R, Sarris J, Schweitzer I. Kava hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern use: the presumed Pacific kava paradox hypothesis revisited. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012;73(2):170-4. PubMed
- Scherer, J. Kava-kava extract in anxiety disorders: an outpatient observational study. Adv.Ther. 1998;15(4):261-269.
- Humberston, C. L., Akhtar, J., and Krenzelok, E. P. Acute hepatitis induced by kava kava. J Toxicol.Clin Toxicol. 2003;41(2):109-113. PubMed
- Schmidt, M. Are kavalactones the hepatotoxic principle of kava extracts? The pitfalls of the glutathione theory. J Altern Complement Med 2003;9(2):183-187. PubMed
- Stickel, F., Baumuller, H. M., Seitz, K., Vasilakis, D., Seitz, G., Seitz, H. K., and Schuppan, D. Hepatitis induced by Kava (Piper methysticum rhizoma). J Hepatol. 2003;39(1):62-67. PubMed
- Grace, R. Kava-induced urticaria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53(5):906. PubMed
- Christl, S. U., Seifert, A., and Seeler, D. Toxic hepatitis after consumption of traditional kava preparation. J.Travel.Med. 2009;16(1):55-56. PubMed
- Teschke, R., Genthner, A., and Wolff, A. Kava hepatotoxicity: comparison of aqueous, ethanolic, acetonic kava extracts and kava-herbs mixtures. J.Ethnopharmacol. 6-25-2009;123(3):378-384. PubMed
- Jappe, U., Franke, I., Reinhold, D., and Gollnick, H. P. Sebotropic drug reaction resulting from kava-kava extract therapy: a new entity? J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38(1):104-106. PubMed
- Gessner B and Cnota P. Extract of the kava-kava rhizome in comparison with diazepam and placebo. Z Phytother 1994;15(1):30-37.
- Johnson D, Frauendorf A, Stecker K, and et al. Neurophysiological active profile and tolerance of kava extract WS 1490, A pilot study with randomized evaluation. TW Neurolgie Psychiatrie 1991;5(6):349-354.
- Keller F and Klohs M. A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of the constituents of Piper methysticum. Lloydia 1963;26:1-15.
- Siegers CP, Honold E, Krall B, and et al. Results of the drug monitoring L 1090 with Laitan capsules. Arztl Forsch 1992;39:7-11.
- Chanwai, L. G. Kava toxicity. Emergency Medicine 2002;12:142-145.
- Leung, N. Acute urinary retention secondary to kava ingestion. Emerg Med Australas 2004;16(1):94. PubMed
- Teschke R. Kava hepatotoxicity: pathogenetic aspects and prospective considerations. Liver Int 2010;30(9):1270-9. PubMed
- Toohey TP, Lu BY, Wada C. Toxic effects of psychotropics related to possible p450 enzyme inhibition by kava:report of 2 cases. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2013;15(5). PubMed
- Ostermayer D. News: Kava, Popular as Alcohol Alternative, May Cause Toxicity. Emerg Med News. 2016;38(1B).
- Kuchta K, Schmidt M, Nahrstedt A. German Kava Ban Lifted by Court: The Alleged Hepatotoxicity of Kava (Piper methysticum) as a Case of Ill-Defined Herbal Drug Identity, Lacking Quality Control, and Misguided Regulatory Politics. Planta Med. 2015;81(18):16 PubMed
- Schmidt M. German Court Ruling Reverses Kava Ban; German Regulatory Authority Appeals Decision. HerbalEGram. 2014;11(7).
- Wainiqolo I, Kool B, Nosa V, Ameratunga S. Is driving under the influence of kava associated with motor vehicle crashes? A systematic review of the epidemiological literature. Aust N Z J Public Health 2015;39(5):495-9. PubMed
- Wainiqolo I, Kafoa B, Kool B, et al. Driving following kava use and road traffic injuries: a population-based case-control study in Fiji (TRIP 14). PLoS One 2016;11(3):e0149719. PubMed
- Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common Herbal Dietary Supplement-Drug Interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.
- Sarris J, Byrne GJ, Bousman CA, et al. Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2020 Mar;54(3):288-297. PubMed
- Aporosa AS, Atkins M, Brunton R. Kava drinking in traditional settings: towards understanding effects on cognitive function. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(2):e2725. PubMed
- Sarris J, Ravindran A, Yatham LN, et al. Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety T
- Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;291:115080. PubMed
- Savage K, Sarris J, Hughes M, et al. Neuroimaging insights: Kava's (Piper methysticum) effect on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GABA in generalized anxiety disorder. Nutrients 2023;15(21):4586. PubMed
- du Plessis Nisbet J, Xie D, Thompson R, Wark K, Lamrock E, Scurry J. Kava-induced dermatitis: A detailed histopathological analysis. Australas J Dermatol 2024. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC