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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rianny on November 4, 2003, at 23:10:14
Hi. I'd like to try Kava Kava for my social anxiety. I have Klonopin, but I really do not want to depend on medicines.
I live in Canada, and, as you may already know, kava kava is prohobited in Canada. So, I'll have to order it online. Please recommend me a site where I can get it.
Also, I'd like to know how dangerous kava kava can be. I heard that the reason why the Canadian government does not allow kava kava is that it can cause severe liver damage. How likely is that, and how can I minimize the chances of getting ill from kava kava?
Lastly, I'd like to know how effective it is, likely comparing to benzo such as Klonopin.
Posted by trudy on November 6, 2003, at 2:07:44
In reply to questions about kava kava, posted by rianny on November 4, 2003, at 23:10:14
I found kava kava mildly helpful but sedating. The reason I don't take it any more is that if you take it for a few months your skin will start to turn yellow. Sorry I have no other info on it.
Posted by platinumbride on November 6, 2003, at 10:01:34
In reply to Re: questions about kava kava, posted by trudy on November 6, 2003, at 2:07:44
I'm sorry, but I tried kava kava and to be honest, it is nowhere nearly as effective for severe anxiety as is klonopin.
There is also, of course the issue of "just how good is the stuff you are getting if it is an herb"? I wish I could have found a more effective brand or whatever........Diane
Posted by Simian on November 10, 2003, at 12:07:06
In reply to Re: questions about kava kava, posted by platinumbride on November 6, 2003, at 10:01:34
I've tried lots of types of Kava, using pure raw root made into the traditional drink and it just makes me feel similar to being drunk but without making you loose control or making you forget what you did.
It also gives me hangovers, even though its usually claimed that it doesn't.
Personally, I don't think its very good as an anxiety medication. Infact I think it made me more anxious a few times.
Although taking a few capsules everyday would probably be quite different to drinking a shed load of it in one night.I read that the reason for the liver problems was that some companies that make the capsules use the leaves and stalks, when you should only use the root, as apparently the leaves and stalks contain a liver toxin of some sort.
This would'nt likely be a problem if you bought a bag full from Hawaii or Fiji though.
I also read that the problem could be that some people combine it with alcohol.
This is the end of the thread.
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