There is a great deal of disagreement on kava side effects, and some countries have approved it to use in small amounts, while others, like Germany and Canada, have banned its sale. It is available in countries like the US, in the South Pacific from where it derives, and in many European countries, but watchdog agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration continue to evaluate it as a potentially substance that should not be widely available to people. Others argue that moderate use of this herbal substance has excellent effects on promoting sleep or treating anxiety. The jury remains out on whether most of the world will ultimately embrace it as a useful substance or dismiss as one too harmful to be used.
The principal area of concern regarding adverse kava side effects is that it may be indicated in damaging the liver. Some studies suggest that even at low dose amounts, some people suffer damage from using this herb in liquid or pill form. WebMD® sums it up in three simple words: “Don’t use it.”
The warning signs that might indicate kava use is creating liver damage include yellowing skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or blood in the urine. At the very least, people with any kind of liver disease, people who drink alcohol, or those who take any other medicines metabolized in the liver like acetaminophen shouldn’t use kava. Some argue that no one should.
Less severe kava side effects that have been noted include a sense of intoxication. People should view this herbal medicine as similar to a sleep medication or tranquilizer and should not operate vehicles while taking it. Sedative quality increases with higher dosage, but higher dosage also increases chances of liver damage. A few other kava side effects noted are upset stomach with nausea most common, strong headache, exceptional drowsiness, and bloodshot eyes.
These mild kava side effects have to be compared to some of its other potential problems. There have been a number of reports that a high number of drugs interact with kava in harmful ways. These include most tranquilizers, antidepressants and drugs to treat other mood or psychiatric disorders. Such medicines may amplify each other, increasing level of sedation. Additionally, there is some evidence suggesting that people who have depression may be severely affected by kava. Even if a person takes antidepressants, kava may elevate depression levels, which is a potential danger.
Kava should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, by people with liver disease, and by many people who take medications. Concerns about its use are legitimate and backed by research, and while the drug may have some benefits, these need to be weighed against risk. Due to the concerns about kava side effects, people should consider consulting a doctor and if they plan to use it regularly, they may want physicians to evaluate liver function with blood tests to make certain kava is not having an adverse effect.
