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KAVA FOR MILD ANXIETY AND STRESS
SUMMARY
WHAT WE KNOW
Kava has been shown in more than a dozen placebo-controlled studies to be effective with
good tolerability for treatment of generalized anxiety, with some evidence for stress,
depression and insomnia. Kava is generally safe for short-term use but can in rare cases cause
catastrophic damage to the liver. Thus, its use is very controversial, and the sources are split
four to three on whether it should ever be recommended.
MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Seven sources confirm the beneficial uses of kava as a mild intoxicant and analgesic, and for
treatment of generalized anxiety, depression, stress, tension, agitation, agoraphobia, specific
other phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, menopausal symptoms and
insomnia. But Brown et al. caution that the benefits are “modest,” and all sources caution
about the danger of liver damage. There is no proof that kava is effective for treatment of
severe anxiety. No published studies have yet tested kava’s efficacy for panic disorders. Kava
has not been found effective for adjunctive use, should not be used with MAOIs, and should
only be used with tricyclics or SSRIs after careful coordination with the prescribing physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Kava has the potential to interact with several drugs and medications. It is vitally important to
discuss kava use with any prescribing physician.
Alcohol, other sedatives, muscle relaxants, dopamine, haloperidol, acetaminophen, and
benzodiazepines. Taking kava with alcohol, other sedatives, or muscle relaxants can result in
additive effects up to and including coma. Kava may interact with several drugs, including drugs