Posted by Sunnely on November 21, 2000, at 0:00:44
In reply to Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by angelrose on November 18, 2000, at 12:44:02
> Hi all,
> I've been experiencing insomnia and increased anxiety this last week and I started taking Kava Kava.
> Is it a safe combo? It helps to reduce my anxiety. Or is it best to take Ativan?
> Which one is safer?
> Suggestions, comments are always appreciated.
> Thanks!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Hi Angelrose,
Kava (Piper methysticum) is worthy of consideration as an herbal treatment option for anxiety, according to scientists who conducted a systematic review and analysis to assess the evidence for or against the herb's effectiveness as a treatment for anxiety.
The authors conducted literature searchers in Medline and other databases. In addition, experts on the topic were contacted to obtain further information. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of oral kava extract for treating anxiety were included. All publications were blinded before they were assessed by a person who was not involved in the study. Two independent reviewers extracted data in a standardized, predefined manner, and the methodological quality of all the trials was assessed.
Kava appeared to be superior to placebo in all seven reviewed trials. The analysis of three of the trials suggested a significant difference in the reduction of the total score on a standard rating scale for anxiety (Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety) in favor of kava extract.
Kava is generally safe when used orally and appropriately for short term period. Standardized kava extracts have been used safely with minimal side effects in studies lasting up to 6 months. However, it is generally recommended that use for greater than 3 months should only be conducted under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
DOSAGE: For anxiety disorders, most clinical trials have used kava extract standardized to 70% kava-lactone content. Doses of the kava extract were most commonly 100 mg (70 mg kava-lactones) three times daily. Kava is also taken as 1 cup of the tea up to 3 times per day. The tea is prepared by simmering 2-4 grams of the root in 150 mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then straining. Because kava-lactone content varies substantially among products, appropriate dosing will also vary.
KAVA-DRUG INTERACTIONS: Concomitant use of kava with central nervous system depressant drugs (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc.) can increase drug effects and risk of adverse effects. There is one report of an individual who became semi-comatose when alprazolam (Xanax) and kava were used concomitantly. Therefore, you should not mix kava with Ativan.
KAVA TIDBITS: Kava was discovered by Captain Cook who named the plant, "intoxicating pepper." In the South Pacific, kava is a popular social drink, similar to alcohol in Western societies. Kava is also prepared in a defined ritual manner and used for ceremonial purposes and has been used for thousands of years by Pacific Islanders. Among the foreign dignataries who drank kava during their visits to the South Pacific were Queen Elizabeth, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, and the Pope.
poster:Sunnely
thread:49030
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49159.html