Kava kava

Best for

Lower day-to-day anxiety

Proven but unnoticeable · 300 mg/day for 4–13 weeks · 1 meta-analysis , n=585

3 papers · 3 claims · 2 outcomes scored · 3 positive

Outcomes

What kava kava actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect size Evidence Dose Weeks Rank

Lower day-to-day anxiety Proven but unnoticeable

The background hum of worry that colors everything gets quieter.

2 meta-analyses n=585 300 mg 4–13 wk #5/48

12535473·16010204

trivial

2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed

300 mg

4–13 wk

#5 /48

Ease anxiety in older adults Proven but unnoticeable

Quiets the health worries and body tension that build with age.

2 meta-analyses n=585 300 mg 4–13 wk #5/45

12535473·16010204

trivial

2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed

300 mg

4–13 wk

#5 /45

Reduce pre-competition anxiety Proven but unnoticeable

Quiets the overthinking that hijacks execution right before you compete.

2 meta-analyses n=585 300 mg 4–13 wk #5/45

12535473·16010204

trivial

2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed

300 mg

4–13 wk

#5 /45

Outcome	Effect	Evidence	Dose	Weeks	Rank
Lower day-to-day anxiety Proven but unnoticeable	trivial	2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed	300 mg	4–13 wk	#5/48
Ease anxiety in older adults Proven but unnoticeable	trivial	2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed	300 mg	4–13 wk	#5/45
Reduce pre-competition anxiety Proven but unnoticeable	trivial	2 meta-analyses n=585 Meta-analyzed	300 mg	4–13 wk	#5/45

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

hepatocellular necrosis severe

hepatotoxicity severe

angioedema severe

hepatic necrosis severe

cholestatic hepatitis severe

serotonin syndrome severe

seizure (including withdrawal seizures in heavy users) severe

rhabdomyolysis severe

Drug interactions

Alprazolam major increases effect

Acetaminophen major increases toxicity

Alprazolam major increases effect

other major increases concentration

Duloxetine major increases concentration

Venlafaxine major increases concentration

Antidepressants moderate increases effect

Levodopa moderate decreases effect

other moderate unknown

Unknown Specific Drugs (Class-Level Warning) moderate increases toxicity

Sources

Generated August 14, 2026

Kava kava

What kava kava actually does, by outcome

Adverse events and known drug interactions

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