Psycho-Babble Medication | about biological treatments | Framed
This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | List of forums | Search | FAQ

Re: Zoloft and Kava interactions? » Areila

Posted by Sunnely on June 26, 2001, at 23:58:09

In reply to Zoloft and Kava interactions?, posted by Areila on June 26, 2001, at 22:38:05

Hi Areila,

There is a case report of reduced effectiveness of levodopa when an individual used kava and levodopa concomitantly, possibly due to dopamine antagonism. What's the connection?

Well, theoretically, the combination of kava and Zoloft may cause you to experience extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as muscle stiffness, tremor and motor restlessness. How?

Zoloft is a serotonin-booster. Serotonin is a neuromodulator of dopamine, that is, it inhibits the action of dopamine. This may lead to extrapyramidal symptoms as described above. (Actually, EPS has been reported with the use of SSRIs.) Coupled with kava's possible dopamine antagonism, the risk of EPS may be enhanced.

Another theoretical effect of this combination is increased risk of bleeding. One of kava's component, kavapyrone(+)-kawain can have antithrombic action on platelet, probably due to inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase and decreased thromboxane 2 (TXA2) production. Zoloft, being a serotonin-enhancer may also cause increased risk of bleeding. How?

Well, the exact mechanism as to how Zoloft (and the other SSRIs) increases risk of bleeding is unknown. It appears it may have something to do with its serotonin effect. Under normal circumstances, platelets (blood particles responsible for clotting) release serotonin at the site of vascular tears, leading to further platelet aggregation and vasodilation (blood vessels enlarge). This permits sealing of the tear stopping the bleeding. It appears that the SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the platelets which leads to decreased serotonin to be released by the platelets into the site of bleeding. So, theoretically, kava + Zoloft could lead to increased risk of bleeding.

Just my own 2 cents.

***********************************

> Hi there.
>
> I started taking Zoloft about a week ago, and although the first few days were terrible, I'm feeling better now. I felt sick, I couldn't eat, sleep, I was very anxious etc.
>
> The anxiety still continues (especially in my body, not as much my brain now) I feel like I've drank some coffee, and my body is restless.
>
> My doctor said he may prescribe anti-anxiety medication. I've heard about Kava, and I would rather try that. My question is, has anybody heard of any drug interaction with Zoloft and Kava? I've read all I can about it, and I haven't seen any concrete information about this exact drug interaction. As long as there is no negative effect, I would like to try Kava to see if it alleviates my anxiety.
>
> Any help, comments etc would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Areila


Share
Tweet  

Thread

 

Post a new follow-up

Your message only Include above post


Notify the administrators

They will then review this post with the posting guidelines in mind.

To contact them about something other than this post, please use this form instead.

 

Start a new thread

 
Google
dr-bob.org www
Search options and examples
[amazon] for
in

This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | FAQ
Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:Sunnely thread:68025
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68037.html