Kava and alcohol

Talk to your doctor before using kava. Products containing kava may cause liver problems, and taking them with alcohol can increase the risk. In addition, central nervous system side effects of kava such as dizziness and drowsiness may be increased by alcohol. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with kava. Also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: The combination of kava and alcohol poses a theoretical risk of additive hepatotoxicity during chronic concomitant use. Studies in mice also suggest that the hypnotic effects of kava and alcohol may be synergistically increased when taken together, and that alcohol can markedly potentiate the toxicity of kava. However, a clinical study in humans found no influence on safety-related performance parameters associated with the combination.

MANAGEMENT: In general, patients should consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal or alternative medicine. Use of kava-containing products with alcohol should be avoided. Patients using kava should be instructed to discontinue the drug promptly and seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of hepatic injury develop, including fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.