Kava Root Extra Strength Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Gaia Herbs
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava Root Extra Strength 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 Root Extra Strength is a dietary supplement by Gaia 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 (Piper methysticum) root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs
Four independent checks of what is known — a summary of the available information, not a grade of the product itself.
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
None of the active ingredients could be matched to our evidence database, so intended use can't be graded.
Why this rating?
- None of the active ingredients could be matched to a HelloPharmacist monograph, so intended use can't be graded against our evidence data.
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.
- “Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) root extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (0.67 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.
None of the active ingredients could be matched to our interaction database.
Why this rating?
- We couldn't match any ingredient to a HelloPharmacist monograph, so there was nothing to check interactions against.
None of the active ingredients could be matched to our safety data.
Why this rating?
- We couldn't match any ingredient to a HelloPharmacist monograph, so there was no safety data to measure.
HelloPharmacist summaryFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Medication interactions could not be assessed, and safety information could not be assessed.
Assessment coverage: 0 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.
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 Root Extra Strength, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Gaia Herbs |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 751063432016 |
| Net contents | 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 22, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 209763 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating) |
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 Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Kavalactones | 50 mg | -- |
| Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) root extract | 0.67 mL | -- |
Other ingredients: Alcohol, 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.
General Statements
Enter ID# at meetyourherbs.com
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use Adults take 10-20 drops in a small amount of water 3 times daily between meals. Maximum time of use 1 month.
Precautions
Caution: US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Do not take if you have, or have had, liver problems, drink alcohol, or take any medications. If you have a medical condition, use under the advice of a doctor. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other nonspecific symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unexplained tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Do not take if you have, or have had, liver problems, drink alcohol, or take any medications.
Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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.
Use only as directed on label. Safety-sealed at neck of bottle.
Formulation
Stress Support Traditionally known for relaxation & emotional well-being
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Formula
Extra Strength provides more Kavalactones than Gaia's regular strength Kava liquid extract
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.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs 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 Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.33 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) 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 Kava (Piper methysticum) root extract monograph & interactions- › Kavalactones
Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions
Kava Root Extra Strength contains a single active ingredient, and it has known interactions with 1,166 medications. Here’s the picture, then you can look up your own drug.
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava Root Extra Strength?
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 Root Extra Strength interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava Root Extra Strength interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) root extract
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) 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 Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) 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 Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Kava Root Extra Strength — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava (piper Methysticum) Root Extract + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava Root Extra Strength 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 Kava (Piper methysticum) 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 Root Extra Strength, from the product label.
Gaia Herbs
See all Gaia Herbs products- Name
- Gaia Herbs, Inc.
- Street Address
- 101 Gaia Herbs Dr.
- City
- Brevard
- State
- NC
- ZipCode
- 28712
- Web Address
- GaiaHerbs.com
Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions
Does Kava Root Extra Strength by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Kava Root Extra Strength 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 Root Extra Strength’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Kava Root Extra Strength'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
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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