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Dietary supplement

Kava Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Samsara Herbs

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Kava Kava is a dietary supplement by Samsara Herbs 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 Kava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: kava kava, a plant root traditionally used to promote relaxation. Kava has no inactive fillers or other ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Kava's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: calming and relaxing herb.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Stress, Menopausal symptoms, Anxiety, Relaxation — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Kava is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Kava is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, Stress.

The evidence for kava's effectiveness is mixed and limited. For generalized anxiety (the condition most commonly cited on kava labels), the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective — meaning it may not work for that purpose as claimed.

For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence to establish whether kava works at all. For epilepsy, the evidence is similarly insufficient.

If you're considering kava for anxiety or sleep, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence supports its use for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Kava

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Kava is generally well tolerated in the short term, with the most common side effects being drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and memory problems. However, kava carries a serious but rare risk of liver injury — over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported worldwide, sometimes showing up within 3 to 4 weeks of regular use.

Because of this liver concern, kava is banned or restricted in some countries. You should not take kava during pregnancy — it's not considered safe.

Kava should also be avoided while breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and the possibility it could pass to your infant.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Kava

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Kava.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • For scale: 1,167 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Stop and check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking kava if you use CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications, opioids, or alcohol) — this is a Major-severity interaction. Also double-check if you take blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, or other medications metabolized by CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 enzymes, or hepatotoxic drugs like long-term NSAIDs or certain antifungals.

If you take haloperidol or ropinirole, mention kava to your pharmacist before adding it.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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 Kava may help some people relax, but the evidence for anxiety is weak and it carries real risks: dangerous interactions with sedating drugs and CNS depressants, potential liver injury with long-term use, and a significant medication-interaction burden. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it entirely.

Before starting kava, check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist — especially if you take sedatives, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, or anything that affects your liver.

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 May 22, 2020.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kava Kava, straight from the product label.

Brand Samsara Herbs
Barcode (UPC) X0002HXVSVJ
Net contents 60 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 220742
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
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 Kava by Samsara Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
X0002HXVSVJ
IngredientAmount% DV
Kava Kava320 mg--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
General Statements

About us At Samsara Herbs, we believe that all positive change in the world must first begin with positive change from within. We invite you to tap into your own infinite power through the use of our potent herbal extracts! We seek out only quality herbs from our trusted sources from around the world for use in our herbal extracts. Samsara Herbs, dedicated to empowering your life force!

Formulation

Description The origins of Kava Kava are found in the South Pacific Islands, where its history of use dates back for centuries. Kava Kava is, arguably, the epitome of a calming and relaxing herb. It is believed to be helpful in maintaining healthy stress levels, reducing restlessness and regulating normal sleep cycles.

Standardized

Formula

Contains Kava Kava (30% Kavalactones)

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.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice USA Tested 3rd party USA tested

Storage

Storage Cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.

Precautions

Caution: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or taking medications, consult your hearth care professional before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 Capsule 1-2 times per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Start with 1 capsule initially to assess tolerance. Maximum use of 3 months. Following this take a 2 week break from use before continuing.

See for yourself

Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Kava Kava

Interacts with
1,166 drugs
320 mg per serving Form: Kavalactones

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 Kava monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kava 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 checker
1,166Drugs
248 Major 577 Moderate 341 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Kava Kava 1,166

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kava 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 Kava12 drug types · 1,166 drugs

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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kava Kava, from the product label.

Samsara Herbs

See all Samsara Herbs products
Name
Samsara Herbs Inc.
City
Syracuse
State
UT
ZipCode
84075
Phone Number
1 (844) 972-6727
Web Address
www.SamsaraHerbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs: Common Questions

Does Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kava Kava has a known interaction with 1,166 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kava Kava contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does kava actually work for anxiety?
The evidence we hold rates kava as possibly ineffective for generalized anxiety disorder — meaning it may not work as advertised for that purpose. If you're looking for anxiety relief, talk with your doctor about options with stronger evidence behind them.
What are the most common side effects?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and memory problems are the most frequently reported side effects. Most people tolerate kava well in the short term, but liver damage is a rare serious concern with prolonged use.
Can I take kava while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Kava is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data and it may pass to your infant.
Why is kava banned in some countries?
Kava has been linked to over 100 reported cases of liver injury worldwide. While most cases occurred with excessive or prolonged use, the severity of liver damage led some countries to restrict or ban it.
Can kava interact with my sedative or sleep medication?
Yes — this is a Major-severity interaction. Combining kava with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, opioids, or alcohol) can cause dangerous additive drowsiness and impaired reflexes. Do not combine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Does kava affect how my liver breaks down other medications?
Yes. Kava inhibits several liver enzymes that process medications, which could raise levels of drugs that depend on those pathways. This is why it's crucial to check all your prescriptions before starting kava.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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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.

Kava Kava label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kava 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.

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
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  3. Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
  4. Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
  5. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:84-9. PubMed
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  7. 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
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  16. Liver Toxicity With Kava. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. January 2001.
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  23. 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
  24. 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.
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  27. Schulze J, Raasch W, Siegers CP. Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions--a case study. Phytomedicine 2003;10:68-73.. PubMed
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  53. 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.
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  59. 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
  60. Ostermayer D. News: Kava, Popular as Alcohol Alternative, May Cause Toxicity. Emerg Med News. 2016;38(1B).
  61. 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
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See these in context on the Kava monograph →

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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.

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