Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 49030

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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!

 

Re: Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?

Posted by Ted on November 18, 2000, at 14:16:33

In reply to Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by angelrose on November 18, 2000, at 12:44:02

Hi angelrose,

Which is safer? I cannot answer, but here are some comments:

1. ativan (lorazepam) is addictive.
2. a pharmacology joke goes "the only way to kill a lab rat with a benzodiazepine is to bury it until it suffocates." This means that, aside from its addictive properties, it is really quite safe toxicologically speaking.
3. ativan isn't a hypnotic, it is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. If you have trouble sleeping, go for ambien. It works great and has less addictive properties. Keep the dose as low as you can to have it work, preferable 10mg or less.

Good luck,
Ted

> 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!

 

see Consumer Reports Magazine

Posted by Bill L on November 20, 2000, at 12:28:10

In reply to Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by angelrose on November 18, 2000, at 12:44:02

A safe combo with what? What else are you taking?
I take 2 Kava Kava pills sometimes when I feel anxious and it works pretty good in about 20 to 30 minutes. I take SAM-e and Celexa (20 mg) every day.

In the most recent edition of Consumer Reports magazine, Kava Kava compared favorably with prescription anxiety drugs. The article said that it generally works about 30 minutes after taking it. I personally am not aware of a danger taking Kava with other drugs but you better check with your doctor. The article has a recommended dose for Kava but I do not remember it. The article also discussed St John's Wort and SAM-e, with each showing promise for depression.

> 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!

 

Re: Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?

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.

 

My Experience with Kava, IT WORKS!

Posted by angelrose on November 21, 2000, at 11:41:43

In reply to Re: Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by Sunnely on November 21, 2000, at 0:00:44

> > Hello,
Thanks to all for the valuable info. esp. about not combining Ativan with Kava ( which I have done once or twice)
I must say I'm pleasantly surprised with the effects of Kava. I started taking it last week- end as I was extremely anxious and panic- strikken, and IT helped. I got a little sleepy but that was great because I had not had any good sleep since I started The Prozac. I've been having awful nightmares which I never had on Paxil.

Thanks to everybody on this board, I love it!!
>
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> 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.

 

Re: Kava Kava, Noni etc

Posted by Fred Potter on November 21, 2000, at 15:43:19

In reply to Re: Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by Sunnely on November 21, 2000, at 0:00:44

Sunneley wrote > >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
.........................
I've read that the kavalactones are destroyed by heat. I use the traditional Fijian method of cold water extraction of the small particles. I usually include some lecithin to help with the extraction. At present I'm experimenting with tinctures, using glycerol at the moment, in the hope that I can get a better extraction.

I find it has a calming and mood brightening effect after a few weeks, rather than a great buzz at the time of drinking it. No big deal though

I'm about to try Tahitian Noni capsules. Anybody tried it? Cures everything from Ague to Zymosis apparently

Fred

 

Re: Kava Kava, Noni etc » Fred Potter

Posted by Sunnely on November 21, 2000, at 23:37:40

In reply to Re: Kava Kava, Noni etc, posted by Fred Potter on November 21, 2000, at 15:43:19

> Sunneley wrote > >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
> .........................
> I've read that the kavalactones are destroyed by heat.

++++++++++++++++++

Hi Fred,

My remarks above were taken verbatim from the book "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" 3rd edition, 2000, by Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Published by Therapeutic Research Faculty based in Stockton, CA. Their website is:

http://www.NaturalDatabase.com

 

Re: Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?

Posted by R.Anne on November 24, 2000, at 2:17:30

In reply to Kava Kava or Ativan? Which is best?, posted by angelrose on November 18, 2000, at 12:44:02

When I was at the pharmacist getting my meds. (ativan, effexor, paxil, risperdal)I asked the pharmacist about kavakava and she said it is a drug, too, even if it says it is natural. She cautioned me to be careful and did not recommend it with my other meds. My pdoc said there are not a lot of studies on it. I got the Kavakava and tried it. It didn't give me any immediate noticable effect but I slept a lot and felt very tired the next day. I did not take ativan that nite. When I take the ativan I don't feel tired the next day at the .5 mg. but I do feel an immediate noticable effect in my anxiety-it decreases. It helps me sleep, too. The kavakava is too expensive in my opinion. My insurance pays for the ativan so it's a better option. All in all I think they are both beneficial. I don't know if there is an addictiion potential for kavakava like there is for ativan. I think it's also very helpful to look to alternative things to do to alleviate anxiety-like mild exercise or hot baths or a brisk walk or a phone call to a friend, etc., etc. I try to keep my ativan taking to a minimum.


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