Who Shouldn't Take Kava-Kava?

Kava-kava, a potently medicinal plant native to the Pacific Islands, has been used for thousands of years as a botanical medicine. In modern naturopathy, kava-kava is used to treat many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, menopause-realted anxiety, and withdrawal from certain prescription drugs. Although kava-kava can cause several serious side effects when it is used improperly, it can be safe when used cautiously under a health care provider's careful guidance.

There are many kava-kava contraindications, or situations in which kava-kava should not be used. Do not use kava-kava if you are in any of the following groups.

Pregnant Women

Expectant mothers should not use kava-kava. Compounds in the plant could trigger contractions in the uterus, leading to miscarriage or preterm labor. Additionally, potentially poisonous compounds in kava-kava may cross the placenta, leading to liver disease or birth defects in the developing fetus. Do not use kava-kava during any stage of pregnancy unless your midwife or obstetrician explicitly recommends it.

Breastfeeding Mothers

Kava-kava is generally not recommended for nursing mothers. Some of the dangerous chemicals in kava-kava may enter breast milk, harming the sensitive and underdeveloped livers of newborn babies. Kava-kava may also cause side effects such as drowsiness and lethargy in breastfed children. Unless your child's pediatrician approves, do not use kava-kava while nursing a baby or toddler.

People with Depression

Although useful and effective as a treatment for anxiety, kava-kava is not a good treatment for depression. There is some evidence that kava-kava can worsen symptoms of depression. If you have both depression and anxiety, a licensed practitioner should monitor your condition carefully whiel you are using kava-kava or any other drug or supplement. Report any changes in symptoms-- particularly suicidal ideation-- to a professional if you experience depression while taking kava-kava.

People with Liver Disease

Liver disease as a major kava-kava contraindication. Even people with healthy livers may experience liver disease as a result of excessive or improper use of kava-kava. If you have a condition such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or fibrosis. Kava-kava can significantly worsen these conditions, leading to serious or fatal consequences.

People taking CNS Depressants

Do not take kava-kava with any CNS depressant, or a drug that slows down the function of the central nervous system. This could lead to serious problems, including heart problems and lethargy. Kava-kava is contraindicated for people taking drugs such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien) and Alprazolam (Xanax).

People who will have Surgery

Because of its depressant effects, kava-kava may prolong the effects of anesthesia. It can interact dangerously with drugs invovled in sedating a person before surgery. Do not take kava-kava within two weeks of any scheduled surgery. If you need an unexpected surgery while using kava-kava, be sure to tell your doctor so he can take extra precautions to prevent dangerous side effects.