Summary
Kava is associated with potential liver toxicity, especially with extracts, heavy prolonged use, or contaminated products. Use only noble kava root from reputable sources; avoid tudei kava and aerial plant parts. Many users experience reverse tolerance initially, requiring several days to weeks of regular use before full effects manifest. Some kavalactones act as reversible MAO-B inhibitors and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Not recommended for those with liver disease or those taking hepatotoxic medications.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 50-70mg | 70-150mg | 150-200mg | 300mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 20-30 min | 30-60 min | 1-3 hrs | 1-2 hrs | 18 hrs | 180-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
possible reverse tolerance — effects may increase with regular use
Reset
not applicable
Effects
Positive
- Physical euphoria
- Muscle relaxation
- Anxiolysis
- Pain relief
- Anxiolytic
Negative
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Mouth numbing
- Sedative
- Dystaxia
Positive
- Cognitive euphoria
- Relaxation
- Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement
- Dream potentiation
- Spirituality enhancement
- Anxiety suppression
Negative
- Motor control loss
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Thought deceleration
Positive
- Increased music appreciation
- Colour enhancement
- Increased libido
Negative
- Disinhibition
- Acuity suppression
- Visual acuity suppression
- Decreased Libido
- Acuity Suppression
- Perception of bodily heaviness
- Dulled perception