Kava Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and upset stomach are some of the bothersome (but generally not dangerous) side effects that may occur with kava. Side effects of the herbal supplement are usually merely bothersome but some may require immediate medical attention, such as shakiness, uncontrollable body movements, and signs of an allergic reaction. The most serious kava side effect is liver damage.

 

Does Kava Cause Side Effects?

As with any medication or supplement, side effects are possible with kava (Piper methysticum). In fact, several countries have banned kava due to reports of very dangerous side effects. However, not all of the possible kava side effects are serious; some are merely bothersome.
 

Possible Side Effects of Kava

Possible bothersome (although usually not serious) kava side effects may include:
 
  • Stomach upset
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Dry mouth
  • Scaly, dry, yellowed skin
  • Red eyes
  • Yellow discoloration of the hair and nails.
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Side Effects With Kava to Report

There are a number of potential side effects with kava that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), upper right abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes (found using a blood test)
  • Unusual, uncontrollable body movements or spasms
  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
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The most serious kava side effect is liver damage. Many people dispute the validity of such reports (claiming that these cases of liver damage may be due to something other than kava); however, there have been many such cases in numerous different countries. Several countries have completely banned the use of kava. In the United States, the FDA has issued a warning about possible liver damage due to kava.
 
(Kava Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;